Ernest Health Executive and Leadership Team

Ty Taplin, the Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals. Overseeing national growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every facility maintains the high standards required for brain injury and stroke rehabilitation certification. Ty Taplin manages the alignment of clinical outcomes with corporate objectives, driving the organization toward top-tier performance metrics. By fostering a culture of patient-centered care, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services across all regional locations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and market expansion. Through rigorous oversight of operational quality, Taplin guarantees that the network remains a leader in medical rehabilitation, consistently meeting the complex needs of patients recovering from severe disabilities.

Brenda Rowe, the Market Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, manages regional performance and operational integration across specific geographic territories. Overseeing the coordination between inpatient rehabilitation facilities and outpatient services, the Market Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent care quality throughout the network. Brenda Rowe drives market-specific initiatives that enhance patient access to specialized therapy programs, including the Transitional Outcomes Program designed to reduce acute care readmissions. By analyzing regional healthcare trends, the Market Chief Executive Officer aligns local hospital resources with broader corporate goals to maximize efficiency. This leadership role requires constant engagement with facility administrators to maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Through strategic resource allocation, Rowe strengthens the competitive position of the network within the regional healthcare landscape, ultimately improving recovery outcomes for patients dealing with chronic medical conditions or injuries.

Jeffrey Stultz, the Resource Chief Executive Officer at Ernest Health, architects the systems and infrastructure necessary to support high-quality rehabilitative care across the entire organization. Overseeing the deployment of clinical and administrative resources, the Resource Chief Executive Officer ensures that every hospital possesses the tools required for effective patient recovery. Jeffrey Stultz drives the optimization of supply chains and staffing models to maintain operational excellence in both rehabilitation and long-term acute care settings. By streamlining internal processes, the Resource Chief Executive Officer supports the delivery of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. This leadership role involves close coordination with facility heads to address resource gaps and enhance service delivery efficiency. Through the implementation of standardized protocols, Stultz guarantees that the network remains agile and responsive to patient needs, ultimately bolstering the organization's reputation for clinical success and operational reliability.

Chris LaFontsee, the Chief Executive Officer (Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona) at Ernest Health, directs all clinical and administrative functions at the Northern Arizona facility. Overseeing the delivery of specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the hospital meets the unique needs of patients recovering from disabilities. Chris LaFontsee drives the implementation of the Transitional Outcomes Program to minimize readmissions and improve long-term recovery success. By fostering strong relationships with local healthcare providers, the Chief Executive Officer expands the reach of the facility's physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs. This leadership role involves maintaining the hospital's brain injury and stroke rehabilitation certifications and ensuring top-tier rankings by the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. Through dedicated local management, LaFontsee guarantees that the facility remains a cornerstone of the regional healthcare network, providing essential support to the community.

Benny Costello, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations at Ernest Health, directs the operations of the Boise facility while overseeing the strategic management of long-term acute care services across the network. Overseeing the clinical and administrative workflows in long-term acute care settings, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations ensures that patients receive specialized care for complex medical conditions. Benny Costello drives the integration of best practices in long-term acute care to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency. By coordinating with other facility leaders, the Chief Executive Officer (Boise) & Director, Ltac Operations aligns local hospital performance with the broader organizational mission. This leadership role involves managing complex care environments and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. Through the application of specialized operational expertise, Costello enhances the quality of care provided to patients requiring extended medical support.

Robert Voss, the Chief Financial Officer at Ernest Health, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial strategy of the entire hospital network. Overseeing capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the resources necessary to support advanced rehabilitative services. Robert Voss drives financial planning initiatives that enable the expansion of inpatient and outpatient facilities, including the integration of home healthcare services. By analyzing revenue cycles and cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the financial performance of the network while maintaining a focus on patient care quality. This leadership role involves regular reporting to the Board regarding fiscal stability and investment opportunities. Through rigorous financial oversight, Voss secures the capital required for technological upgrades and facility improvements, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the competitive healthcare market while achieving sustainable growth and profitability.

Crystal West, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance at Ernest Health, manages the financial operations and budgetary compliance for individual hospital sites within the network. Overseeing the field-level financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance ensures that each facility adheres to corporate fiscal policies while meeting local operational demands. Crystal West drives the development of site-specific financial models that support the delivery of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. By providing direct financial guidance to facility administrators, the Chief Financial Officer, Field Finance optimizes resource utilization and cost management at the point of care. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of regional financial health to identify trends and mitigate risks. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, West supports the overall fiscal integrity of the organization, ensuring that each hospital remains financially viable while delivering high-quality rehabilitative care to patients.

Christina Salazar, the Chief Operating Officer at Ernest Health, directs the daily operational activities of the network to ensure seamless patient care delivery. Overseeing the functional performance of all rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals, the Chief Operating Officer implements standardized protocols that drive clinical efficiency. Christina Salazar manages the integration of inpatient and outpatient services, including the Transitional Outcomes Program, to ensure continuity of care for patients recovering from injuries or chronic conditions. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and operational scaling. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with facility administrators to maintain high standards of service and regulatory compliance. Through the execution of strategic operational plans, Salazar supports the organization's mission to provide top-tier rehabilitative care, ensuring that every facility operates at peak capacity while maintaining the highest levels of patient safety and satisfaction.

Jacob Socha, the President at Ernest Health, directs the overall business operations and organizational development of the entire hospital network. Overseeing the execution of corporate strategy, the President ensures that all facilities maintain alignment with the mission of providing superior rehabilitative and long-term acute care. Jacob Socha drives initiatives that enhance the network's market presence and service capabilities, including the expansion of home healthcare services. By fostering collaboration across the C-suite, the President supports the integration of clinical and administrative functions to maximize patient recovery outcomes. This leadership role involves representing the organization in industry forums and ensuring that the network remains at the forefront of medical rehabilitation innovation. Through the implementation of high-level strategic plans, Socha guarantees that the organization continues to deliver exceptional value to patients and stakeholders, maintaining its status as a premier provider of rehabilitative services.