Ernest Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ernest Health has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, and hospital management.

Dedicated to specialized rehabilitative services, Ernest Health drives patient recovery from critical injuries and illnesses, impacting lives through expert care and advanced treatment protocols.

Leadership Roles at Ernest Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Christina Salas
  • Market Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Pt
  • Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona) - Chris LaFontsee
  • Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations - Benny Costello
  • Chief Operating Officer - Matthew Luders
  • President - Jacob Socha
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Walker Charity
  • Christina Salas - Chief Executive Officer

    Christina Salas, the Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the organization. Salas guides the company's mission to provide specialized rehabilitative services, ensuring alignment with patient recovery goals following injuries or illnesses like strokes, orthopedic trauma, and spinal cord damage. This leadership role involves optimizing hospital operations across the network to deliver consistent, high-quality care. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, Christina Salas drives the company's commitment to treating individuals with complex conditions, including ALS and Parkinson's disease, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and solidifying Ernest Health's market position in rehabilitative medicine.
    Christina Salas

    Nicholas Pt - Market Chief Executive Officer

    Nicholas Pt, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, spearheads regional operational strategies and market development initiatives. Pt focuses on expanding the reach and effectiveness of Ernest Health's specialized rehabilitative services within designated markets. This involves overseeing the integration of clinical best practices and ensuring that hospital facilities meet the evolving needs of patients recovering from significant injuries and chronic illnesses. The Market Chief Executive Officer role is critical for driving growth and maintaining high standards of patient care across multiple locations. Through strategic oversight, Nicholas Pt ensures that each market contributes to the company's overall mission of providing expert rehabilitation.

    Chris LaFontsee - Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona)

    Chris LaFontsee, the Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona) at Ernest Health, directs the strategic and operational leadership for the Northern Arizona facility. LaFontsee ensures this specific hospital delivers specialized rehabilitative services to patients recovering from diverse injuries and illnesses, including orthopedic trauma and neurological conditions. This executive focuses on optimizing patient care protocols and facility management within the Northern Arizona region. Chris LaFontsee's leadership is vital for maintaining high standards of clinical care and operational efficiency, directly supporting patients with conditions like ALS and Parkinson's disease. The role involves driving local market growth and ensuring the hospital's contribution to Ernest Health's broader mission of patient recovery.

    Benny Costello - Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations

    Benny Costello, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations at Ernest Health, commands both the strategic direction for the Boise facility and the operational oversight of Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) services. Costello ensures the Boise hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care for patients recovering from severe injuries and illnesses, including brain and spinal cord trauma. This dual role involves optimizing LTAC operations to meet the complex needs of individuals with chronic conditions like ALS and multiple sclerosis. Benny Costello's leadership drives clinical excellence and operational efficiency across these critical areas. By managing both a specific hospital and broader LTAC functions, Costello significantly contributes to Ernest Health's capacity to deliver comprehensive patient recovery services.

    Matthew Luders - Chief Operating Officer

    Matthew Luders, the Chief Operating Officer at Ernest Health, manages the day-to-day operational execution across all rehabilitation hospitals. Luders oversees the implementation of efficient processes and resource allocation to support thousands of patients annually recovering from conditions such as strokes, orthopedic injuries, and neurological disorders. This critical role ensures that hospital infrastructure and staffing levels effectively support the delivery of specialized rehabilitative services. Matthew Luders drives operational excellence, focusing on enhancing patient care pathways and optimizing facility performance. By streamlining operations, Luders directly contributes to Ernest Health's capacity to treat individuals with complex chronic illnesses and acute injuries, reinforcing the company's commitment to recovery and well-being.

    Jacob Socha - President

    Jacob Socha, the President at Ernest Health, holds a pivotal position in guiding the organization's strategic growth and operational expansion. Socha focuses on enhancing the delivery of specialized rehabilitative services across the network, ensuring Ernest Health effectively treats patients recovering from significant injuries and illnesses such as strokes and orthopedic trauma. This leadership role involves fostering key relationships and driving initiatives that support the company's mission. Jacob Socha's influence extends to optimizing patient care pathways and ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice are maintained. By championing innovation and operational excellence, Socha directly contributes to Ernest Health's reputation for providing expert care to individuals with complex medical needs.

    Walker Charity - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Walker Charity, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ernest Health, leads all human capital strategies and workforce development initiatives. Charity oversees the recruitment, retention, and professional growth of the clinical and administrative teams essential for delivering specialized rehabilitative services. This role is fundamental to ensuring Ernest Health possesses the skilled personnel required to treat patients recovering from strokes, orthopedic injuries, and spinal cord damage. Walker Charity drives initiatives that foster a supportive and high-performing work environment, crucial for employee engagement and patient satisfaction. By managing talent acquisition and development, Charity directly supports the company's mission to provide expert care for individuals with chronic illnesses and acute conditions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ernest Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ernest Health?
    Ernest Health is led by Christina Salas (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicholas Pt (Market Chief Executive Officer) and Chris LaFontsee (Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona)).
    Who is part of Ernest Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ernest Health includes leaders such as Christina Salas (Chief Executive Officer), Nicholas Pt (Market Chief Executive Officer), Chris LaFontsee (Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ernest Health have?
    Ernest Health has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ernest Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ernest Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Market Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona), Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations, Chief Operating Officer.