Ernest Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ernest Health has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, market expansion, resource management, operations, finance, human resources, and organizational leadership.

Committed to excellence in rehabilitative care, Ernest Health delivers specialized inpatient and outpatient services to patients recovering from complex injuries and chronic medical conditions across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Ernest Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Roxanna Schmidt
  • Market Chief Executive Officer - Brenda Rowe
  • Resource Chief Executive Officer - Jeffrey Stultz
  • Market Chief Executive Officer - Nicholas Pt
  • Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations - Benny Costello
  • Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance - Crystal West
  • Chief Operating Officer - Matthew Luders
  • President - Jacob Socha
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Walker Charity
  • Roxanna Schmidt - Chief Executive Officer

    Roxanna Schmidt, the Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals. Schmidt architects high-level clinical standards that ensure every facility maintains top-tier rankings in medical rehabilitation outcomes. By aligning corporate objectives with patient-centered care models, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of continuous improvement and operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term growth and market stability. Roxanna Schmidt monitors national healthcare trends to adapt service offerings, ensuring the organization remains a leader in stroke and brain injury recovery. Through rigorous oversight of clinical quality and administrative efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of restoring patient independence. Ultimately, Schmidt guarantees that the network provides consistent, high-quality rehabilitative support across all regional markets.

    Brenda Rowe - Market Chief Executive Officer

    Brenda Rowe, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, manages regional hospital performance and clinical service delivery across designated territories. Rowe architects localized operational strategies that optimize patient throughput and enhance the efficacy of inpatient rehabilitative programs. By coordinating with facility directors, the Market Chief Executive Officer ensures that every hospital within the assigned market adheres to strict safety and quality protocols. This leadership role requires balancing fiscal responsibility with the necessity of providing advanced physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Brenda Rowe drives regional growth by identifying opportunities for service expansion and community outreach. Through the implementation of standardized care pathways, the Market Chief Executive Officer improves patient outcomes and reduces readmission rates. Ultimately, Rowe secures the operational success of the network by maintaining high standards of care and fostering strong relationships with local healthcare providers.

    Jeffrey Stultz - Resource Chief Executive Officer

    Jeffrey Stultz, the Resource Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, oversees the allocation of critical assets and infrastructure necessary for maintaining high-acuity rehabilitative care. Stultz architects resource distribution models that ensure hospitals possess the specialized equipment and staffing levels required for complex patient recovery. By managing capital investments and supply chain logistics, the Resource Chief Executive Officer supports the seamless operation of inpatient and outpatient facilities. This leadership role involves evaluating technological advancements in rehabilitation to improve clinical efficiency and patient safety. Jeffrey Stultz drives organizational resilience by optimizing the utilization of medical resources across the entire network. Through strategic planning and asset management, the Resource Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical teams have the tools needed to deliver superior therapy services. Ultimately, Stultz maintains the operational foundation that allows the organization to provide consistent, high-quality care to patients recovering from severe injuries.

    Nicholas Pt - Market Chief Executive Officer

    Nicholas Pt, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, directs the operational performance and strategic development of rehabilitation facilities within specific geographic markets. Pt architects initiatives that integrate inpatient services with home healthcare offerings to create a continuum of care for patients. By overseeing regional management teams, the Market Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical outcomes meet the rigorous standards required for top-tier rehabilitation rankings. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering partnerships with acute care hospitals to streamline patient transitions. Nicholas Pt drives market penetration by emphasizing the value of specialized stroke and brain injury programs. Through the continuous monitoring of performance metrics, the Market Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery and enhances patient satisfaction. Ultimately, Pt secures the competitive position of the network by delivering reliable, high-quality rehabilitative outcomes across the assigned regional footprint.

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

    Benny Costello, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations at Ernest Health, oversees the specific performance of the Boise facility while directing long-term acute care operations across the network. Costello architects specialized clinical protocols that address the needs of patients requiring extended medical support. By managing the integration of acute care services, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations ensures that patients receive seamless transitions between levels of care. This leadership role involves optimizing staffing models and clinical workflows to improve recovery outcomes for complex cases. Benny Costello drives operational success by maintaining high standards of care and fostering a culture of clinical excellence. Through the oversight of long-term acute care strategies, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations supports the broader mission of the organization. Ultimately, Costello ensures that the network provides effective, high-acuity rehabilitative services.

    Crystal West - Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance

    Crystal West, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance at Ernest Health, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and revenue cycle management for the organization's regional facilities. West architects fiscal strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative services. By analyzing financial performance data, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance identifies opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth across the network. This leadership role involves collaborating with facility executives to align budgetary resources with clinical needs and strategic goals. Crystal West drives financial transparency and accountability by implementing rigorous reporting standards and internal controls. Through the management of field-level financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance supports the expansion of home healthcare services and other critical programs. Ultimately, West secures the financial health of the organization, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality care to patients recovering from chronic medical conditions.

    Matthew Luders - Chief Operating Officer

    Matthew Luders, the Chief Operating Officer at Ernest Health, manages the daily administrative and clinical operations across the entire network of rehabilitation hospitals. Luders architects scalable operational workflows that improve the efficiency of inpatient and outpatient therapy services. By coordinating with facility leadership, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all locations maintain compliance with clinical standards and safety regulations. This leadership role involves streamlining the Transitional Outcomes Program to effectively reduce acute care readmissions. Matthew Luders drives operational excellence by implementing data-driven processes that enhance patient care delivery and staff productivity. Through the oversight of facility-level performance, the Chief Operating Officer supports the organization's mission of providing comprehensive rehabilitative support. Ultimately, Luders ensures that the network operates with maximum efficiency, allowing clinical teams to focus entirely on patient recovery and the achievement of superior medical outcomes.

    Jacob Socha - President

    Jacob Socha, the President at Ernest Health, directs the overall business strategy and operational execution for the network of rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals. Socha architects growth initiatives that expand the reach of specialized rehabilitative services into new markets. By collaborating with the C-suite, the President ensures that all facilities maintain the high standards required for top-tier medical rehabilitation rankings. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of innovative programs like the Transitional Outcomes Program to improve patient recovery and reduce readmissions. Jacob Socha drives organizational performance by aligning clinical goals with business objectives to ensure long-term success. Through the management of strategic partnerships and market expansion, the President supports the mission of providing comprehensive care to patients recovering from injuries and chronic conditions. Ultimately, Socha secures the competitive advantage of the organization by maintaining a focus on clinical quality and operational efficiency.

    Walker Charity - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Walker Charity, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ernest Health, directs the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives for the entire network. Charity architects comprehensive human capital strategies that attract and retain top-tier clinical and administrative professionals. By overseeing workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that every facility remains adequately staffed to provide high-quality rehabilitative care. This leadership role involves developing training programs that enhance the skills of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Walker Charity drives employee engagement by fostering a supportive work environment that aligns with the company's mission of patient-centered recovery. Through the management of compensation and benefits, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the overall stability and growth of the organization. Ultimately, Charity ensures that the network maintains a highly skilled and motivated workforce capable of delivering superior medical outcomes to patients.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ernest Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ernest Health?
    Ernest Health is led by Roxanna Schmidt (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brenda Rowe (Market Chief Executive Officer) and Jeffrey Stultz (Resource Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Ernest Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ernest Health includes leaders such as Roxanna Schmidt (Chief Executive Officer), Brenda Rowe (Market Chief Executive Officer), Jeffrey Stultz (Resource Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ernest Health have?
    Ernest Health has 9 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, Resource Chief Executive Officer, Market Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations.