Forefront Dermatology Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forefront Dermatology has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, administration, human resources, clinical practice, leadership, and medical pathology.

Committed to advancing skin health across the Midwest and Midatlantic, Forefront Dermatology delivers comprehensive dermatological care through a network of board-certified specialists focused on improving patient quality of life.

Leadership Roles at Forefront Dermatology

  • Chief Executive Officer - Matt Mellott
  • Chief Operating Officer - Candace Baer
  • Chief of Staff & President, Office of - Megan Hagglund
  • Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder - Kenneth Katz
  • President - Betsy Wernli
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Andrea Kruse
  • Chief People Officer - Jill Patterson
  • Chief Medical Officer, Dermatopathology - Kelli Hutchens
  • Matt Mellott - Chief Executive Officer

    Matt Mellott, the Chief Executive Officer at Forefront Dermatology, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of community-based practices. Mellott architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the organization maintains the highest standards of surgical and cosmetic dermatology care. By aligning clinical excellence with operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture dedicated to treating the total patient. Mellott oversees the expansion of the network across the Midwest and Midatlantic, ensuring consistent service delivery for conditions of the hair, skin, and nails. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine business models and integrate innovative laboratory services. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Matt Mellott drives the mission to improve patient quality of life. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and clinical stability necessary for sustained success in the competitive healthcare landscape.

    Candace Baer - Chief Operating Officer

    Candace Baer, the Chief Operating Officer at Forefront Dermatology, manages the daily operational workflows across the extensive network of clinics. Baer optimizes clinical throughput and resource allocation to ensure that board-certified dermatologists provide efficient, best-in-class care. Overseeing the integration of laboratory services, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines administrative processes to support medical specialists in their daily practice. Baer coordinates with regional leadership to maintain high standards of patient safety and operational compliance throughout the Midwest and Midatlantic. This role requires constant monitoring of clinic performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost-effective scaling. By implementing standardized protocols, Candace Baer enhances the overall patient experience and supports the broader organizational mission. Ultimately, Baer ensures that the operational infrastructure remains robust enough to handle the complex needs of patients at every stage of life.

    Megan Hagglund - Chief of Staff & President, Office of

    Megan Hagglund, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Forefront Dermatology, coordinates executive communications and facilitates high-level decision-making processes. Hagglund manages the flow of information between the C-suite and the broader organization to ensure strategic alignment with the company mission. The Chief of Staff & President, Office of oversees special projects that impact the operational efficiency of the network across the Midwest and Midatlantic. By streamlining executive workflows, Hagglund enables the leadership team to focus on critical initiatives related to patient care and clinical innovation. This role involves managing complex administrative tasks and fostering collaboration among various departments to support the overall business model. Megan Hagglund ensures that organizational goals remain clear and actionable for all stakeholders. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of provides the necessary support to maintain the high standard of care expected from the network.

    Kenneth Katz - Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder

    Kenneth Katz, the Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder at Forefront Dermatology, provides the clinical foundation and medical leadership for the organization. Katz performs complex Mohs surgery while setting the standard for surgical dermatology excellence across the network. As the Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder, Katz mentors other medical specialists to ensure consistent, high-quality care for conditions of the hair, skin, and nails. This role involves guiding the clinical direction of the practice and advocating for innovative, proven solutions in skin cancer treatment. By maintaining a direct connection to patient care, Katz ensures that the organization remains rooted in the needs of the community. Kenneth Katz collaborates with other executives to integrate clinical expertise into the broader business strategy. Ultimately, the Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder upholds the reputation of the network as a leader in dermatological health and patient-centered outcomes.

    Betsy Wernli - President

    Betsy Wernli, the President at Forefront Dermatology, oversees the execution of corporate strategy and the daily management of the clinical network. Wernli drives operational excellence by ensuring that every practice location adheres to the highest standards of dermatological care. The President coordinates with regional leaders to expand the footprint of the organization across the Midwest and Midatlantic. By focusing on the integration of general, surgical, and cosmetic services, Wernli ensures that the network meets the diverse needs of patients at all stages of life. This leadership role involves balancing clinical requirements with business objectives to maintain sustainable growth. Betsy Wernli fosters a culture of accountability and innovation among the medical staff. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term success of the organization by prioritizing patient outcomes and operational efficiency in every aspect of the business model.
    Betsy Wernli

    Andrea Kruse - Chief Marketing Officer

    Andrea Kruse, the Chief Marketing Officer at Forefront Dermatology, architects the brand strategy and patient engagement initiatives for the entire network. Kruse drives market awareness across the Midwest and Midatlantic by highlighting the expertise of board-certified dermatologists and the comprehensive nature of the clinical services. The Chief Marketing Officer develops targeted campaigns that communicate the value of general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology to diverse patient populations. By analyzing market trends and patient feedback, Kruse refines communication channels to ensure the organization remains the preferred choice for skin health. This leadership role involves close coordination with clinical teams to showcase innovative treatment solutions and patient success stories. Andrea Kruse manages the digital presence and community outreach programs to strengthen the reputation of the network. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer builds lasting trust with patients, directly contributing to the growth and visibility of the practice.

    Jill Patterson - Chief People Officer

    Jill Patterson, the Chief People Officer at Forefront Dermatology, directs human capital strategy and talent acquisition for the entire network of clinics. Patterson architects programs focused on recruiting and retaining top-tier board-certified dermatologists and medical specialists. The Chief People Officer fosters a supportive work environment that emphasizes professional development and clinical excellence. By managing employee relations and organizational culture, Patterson ensures that the staff remains dedicated to the mission of providing best-in-class care. This leadership role involves implementing training initiatives that keep the team updated on the latest dermatological advancements and patient care techniques. Jill Patterson oversees the alignment of workforce capabilities with the operational needs of the network across the Midwest and Midatlantic. Ultimately, the Chief People Officer builds a high-performing team that directly impacts the quality of life for patients through compassionate and expert service.

    Kelli Hutchens - Chief Medical Officer, Dermatopathology

    Kelli Hutchens, the Chief Medical Officer, Dermatopathology at Forefront Dermatology, directs the diagnostic and laboratory services that support the clinical network. Hutchens architects the protocols for dermatopathology to ensure accurate and timely results for patients across the Midwest and Midatlantic. The Chief Medical Officer, Dermatopathology oversees the quality control of laboratory operations, ensuring that all diagnostic processes align with the highest standards of medical care. By collaborating with board-certified dermatologists, Hutchens facilitates a seamless integration between clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. This leadership role involves staying at the forefront of diagnostic technology to improve the precision of skin condition assessments. Kelli Hutchens manages the laboratory team to ensure that the diagnostic infrastructure supports the overall mission of the practice. Ultimately, the Chief Medical Officer, Dermatopathology provides the critical diagnostic insights necessary for effective patient care and improved quality of life.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forefront Dermatology Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forefront Dermatology?
    Forefront Dermatology is led by Matt Mellott (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Candace Baer (Chief Operating Officer) and Megan Hagglund (Chief of Staff & President, Office of).
    Who is part of Forefront Dermatology’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forefront Dermatology includes leaders such as Matt Mellott (Chief Executive Officer), Candace Baer (Chief Operating Officer), Megan Hagglund (Chief of Staff & President, Office of) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forefront Dermatology have?
    Forefront Dermatology has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forefront Dermatology’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forefront Dermatology includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff & President, Office of, Physician, Mohs Surgeon, President and Founder, President.