Gilchrist Services Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Gilchrist Services has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, medical oversight, and clinical administration.

Dedicated to compassionate end-of-life support, Gilchrist Services prioritizes personalized care for individuals facing serious illnesses while fostering resilience for families throughout the Maryland region and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Gilchrist Services

  • Chief Executive Officer - Traice Robinson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Leana Hoover
  • President - Catherine Hamel
  • Chief of Staff - Gail Chevalier
  • Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer - Lakshmi Vaidyanathan
  • Medical Director & Section of Hospice Chief & Associate Chief Medical Officer - Philip Shaheen
  • Traice Robinson - Chief Executive Officer

    Traice Robinson, the Chief Executive Officer at Gilchrist Services, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit organization. Robinson architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the delivery of high-quality hospice and palliative care across Maryland. By aligning clinical excellence with organizational sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the mission of supporting families during end-of-life transitions. Robinson collaborates with the Board to secure resources necessary for expanding geriatric care programs. This leadership role involves navigating complex healthcare regulations to optimize service accessibility for patients with serious illnesses. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, Traice Robinson guarantees that every department adheres to the core values of compassion and dignity. The Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation, enabling the organization to adapt to evolving community needs while maintaining financial stability and operational integrity in the competitive nonprofit landscape.

    Leana Hoover - Chief Operating Officer

    Leana Hoover, the Chief Operating Officer at Gilchrist Services, oversees the daily execution of hospice and palliative care operations. Hoover architects scalable systems to manage the complex logistics of providing end-of-life support across diverse patient populations. By refining clinical workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources reach families in need with maximum efficiency. Leana Hoover monitors regional service delivery to maintain high standards of care quality throughout Maryland. This leadership role involves managing the infrastructure required for grief counseling and geriatric services. Through data-driven decision-making, the Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost-effective service expansion. Hoover coordinates with clinical directors to ensure that operational capacity matches the growing demand for serious illness support. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every patient receives timely, compassionate, and personalized care within the established organizational framework.

    Catherine Hamel - President

    Catherine Hamel, the President at Gilchrist Services, leads the external engagement and community outreach efforts for the organization. Hamel architects partnerships with healthcare systems and community stakeholders to expand the reach of hospice and palliative care services. By representing the organization in public forums, the President strengthens the reputation of the nonprofit as a leader in serious illness support. Catherine Hamel drives fundraising and development initiatives that provide the necessary capital for program innovation. This leadership role involves aligning the organization with broader healthcare trends to ensure long-term relevance and impact. Through strategic advocacy, the President promotes awareness of the importance of end-of-life care and grief counseling. Hamel fosters relationships with donors and community leaders to sustain the mission of providing compassionate care to all families. The President ensures that the organization remains a vital resource for the community, consistently delivering on the promise of personalized, high-quality support.

    Gail Chevalier - Chief of Staff

    Gail Chevalier, the Chief of Staff at Gilchrist Services, manages internal communications and coordinates cross-functional projects to streamline organizational efficiency. Chevalier facilitates alignment between executive leadership and clinical teams, ensuring that strategic goals translate into actionable care plans for patients. By optimizing workflows, the Chief of Staff enhances the delivery of grief counseling and palliative services. Gail Chevalier monitors key performance indicators to track the impact of various programs on patient outcomes. This role requires constant interaction with department heads to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve resource allocation. Through meticulous planning, the Chief of Staff supports the execution of initiatives designed to expand the reach of geriatric care. Chevalier drives internal transparency, allowing the organization to maintain focus on the mission of providing compassionate support to families. The Chief of Staff remains central to maintaining the operational rhythm necessary for high-quality service delivery.

    Lakshmi Vaidyanathan - Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Lakshmi Vaidyanathan, the Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Gilchrist Services, directs the clinical strategy for integrative palliative care. Vaidyanathan architects evidence-based treatment protocols that address the physical and emotional needs of patients facing serious illnesses. By integrating holistic approaches into standard medical practice, the Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer enhances the quality of life for individuals under care. Lakshmi Vaidyanathan collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that palliative interventions align with patient goals and family preferences. This role involves mentoring clinical staff and overseeing the implementation of advanced symptom management techniques. Through continuous evaluation of medical outcomes, the Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer drives improvements in clinical efficacy. Vaidyanathan ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of palliative medicine, providing compassionate, expert-led support to patients throughout the regional service area.

    Philip Shaheen - Medical Director & Section of Hospice Chief & Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Philip Shaheen, the Medical Director & Section of Hospice Chief & Associate Chief Medical Officer at Gilchrist Services, leads the clinical governance of hospice programs. Shaheen architects medical policies that ensure compliance with end-of-life care standards while prioritizing patient comfort. By overseeing the hospice section, the Medical Director & Section of Hospice Chief & Associate Chief Medical Officer maintains the integrity of clinical services provided to families. Philip Shaheen collaborates with the broader medical leadership to refine care pathways for patients with terminal conditions. This role involves managing physician teams and ensuring that clinical decisions reflect the compassionate mission of the organization. Through rigorous oversight, the Medical Director & Section of Hospice Chief & Associate Chief Medical Officer guarantees that hospice care remains responsive to the unique needs of each individual. Shaheen drives excellence in medical practice, ensuring that the organization provides high-quality, dignified support during the final stages of life.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gilchrist Services Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Gilchrist Services?
    Gilchrist Services is led by Traice Robinson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Leana Hoover (Chief Operating Officer) and Catherine Hamel (President).
    Who is part of Gilchrist Services’s executive team?
    The executive team of Gilchrist Services includes leaders such as Traice Robinson (Chief Executive Officer), Leana Hoover (Chief Operating Officer), Catherine Hamel (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Gilchrist Services have?
    Gilchrist Services has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Gilchrist Services’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Gilchrist Services includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Section Chief, Integrative Palliative Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer.