Emergence Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Emergence Health Network has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, medical affairs, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, [[Emergence Health Network]] provides comprehensive behavioral and developmental services, focusing on crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, and rehabilitative skills training to enhance the lives of individuals in the El Paso region.

Leadership Roles at Emergence Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Kristen Daugherty
  • Chief of Staff - Rene Hurtado
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Stephanie Martinez
  • Chief Medical Officer - Shawna Scully
  • Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service - Carroll Thornburg
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Iris Sandoval
  • Kristen Daugherty - Chief Executive Officer

    Kristen Daugherty, the Chief Executive Officer at Emergence Health Network, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the organization. Daugherty guides the network's mission to deliver essential behavioral and developmental services across the El Paso region. This leadership role involves setting strategic priorities, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring the organization's financial health and long-term sustainability. Overseeing all major initiatives, Kristen Daugherty ensures that Emergence Health Network effectively addresses community needs through crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluations, and rehabilitative skills training. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on expanding access to care and enhancing the quality of services provided, directly impacting the well-being of thousands of individuals and families.
    Kristen Daugherty

    Rene Hurtado - Chief of Staff

    Rene Hurtado, the Chief of Staff at Emergence Health Network, manages critical operational initiatives and supports the executive leadership team. Hurtado facilitates communication and strategic alignment across departments, ensuring efficient execution of organizational goals. This role involves coordinating special projects, optimizing internal processes, and serving as a key liaison between the CEO and other senior leaders. Overseeing the implementation of strategic directives, Rene Hurtado drives operational excellence and supports the delivery of comprehensive behavioral and developmental services. The Chief of Staff's efforts are vital in maintaining the network's responsiveness to the El Paso community's evolving needs for psychiatric evaluation and rehabilitative support.

    Stephanie Martinez - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Stephanie Martinez, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at Emergence Health Network, provides essential administrative and logistical support to the HR leadership. Martinez manages complex scheduling, coordinates meetings, and handles confidential information, ensuring the smooth operation of the human resources department. This role is critical in facilitating efficient communication and workflow for HR initiatives, which are fundamental to supporting the network's clinical staff. By managing administrative tasks, Stephanie Martinez enables the Chief Human Resources Officer to focus on strategic workforce planning and employee development. The effective support provided by Martinez directly contributes to maintaining a stable and productive environment for all Emergence Health Network employees.

    Shawna Scully - Chief Medical Officer

    Shawna Scully, the Chief Medical Officer at Emergence Health Network, directs the clinical strategy and medical operations across all service lines. Scully ensures the highest standards of patient care are maintained, overseeing psychiatric evaluations, psychoactive mediation monitoring, and supportive counseling. This leadership position involves guiding clinical protocols, managing physician teams, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Driving medical excellence, Shawna Scully champions evidence-based practices and innovative treatment approaches for behavioral and developmental services. The Chief Medical Officer's dedication to patient outcomes is central to Emergence Health Network's mission of providing effective rehabilitative skills training and crisis intervention in the El Paso region.

    Carroll Thornburg - Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service

    Carroll Thornburg, the Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service at Emergence Health Network, leads specialized clinical services focused on outpatient care and addiction treatment. Thornburg oversees the medical aspects of these critical programs, ensuring integrated and effective patient management. This dual role involves direct patient care responsibilities alongside strategic leadership for addiction services and outpatient medical operations. Driving advancements in treatment, Carroll Thornburg focuses on providing accessible and high-quality care, including psychiatric evaluation and supportive counseling. The Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service's expertise is crucial for enhancing the network's capacity to address complex behavioral health needs within the El Paso community.

    Iris Sandoval - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Iris Sandoval, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Emergence Health Network, oversees the essential administrative functions that support the organization's operational efficiency. Sandoval manages key areas including finance, human resources, and facilities, ensuring seamless integration of support services with clinical delivery. This leadership role is pivotal in optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to enhance the network's capacity for providing behavioral and developmental services. Driving administrative excellence, Iris Sandoval focuses on implementing robust operational frameworks that enable effective crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation, and rehabilitative skills training. The Chief Administrative Officer's strategic oversight ensures Emergence Health Network operates effectively and sustainably to serve the El Paso region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Emergence Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Emergence Health?
    Emergence Health is led by Kristen Daugherty (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Rene Hurtado (Chief of Staff) and Stephanie Martinez (Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Emergence Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Emergence Health includes leaders such as Kristen Daugherty (Chief Executive Officer), Rene Hurtado (Chief of Staff), Stephanie Martinez (Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Emergence Health have?
    Emergence Health has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Emergence Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Emergence Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Physician, Chief Medical Officer of Outpatient Medical and Addiction Service.