Health First Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Health First has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Health First provides comprehensive hospital services, focusing on intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services to serve its Florida community.

Leadership Roles at Health First

  • Chief Executive Officer - Youssef Abdelrahman
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Lovely Merdelus
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joshua Pulver
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Pulio
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Larry Garrison
  • President, Hospital Division - Michael Mullowney
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Cissy Mendoza
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Paula Just
  • Chief Medical Officer - Naushad Amin
  • Officer - Parvaneh Khorshidi
  • Youssef Abdelrahman - Chief Executive Officer

    Youssef Abdelrahman, the Chief Executive Officer at Health First, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding all departments to ensure the delivery of high-quality hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care, aligning with the company's mission. Abdelrahman oversees the integration of clinical excellence with financial sustainability, ensuring Health First maintains its commitment to the Rockledge, Florida community. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering innovation in patient care delivery and managing key stakeholder relationships. By setting clear objectives and driving performance metrics, Youssef Abdelrahman ensures the organization's continued growth and impact in the healthcare sector. This executive's focus remains on enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency across all facilities.

    Lovely Merdelus - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Lovely Merdelus, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Health First, establishes the foundational principles and long-term direction for the hospital services provider. This executive guides the strategic initiatives that define the company's approach to intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. Merdelus's role encompasses fostering a culture of patient-centered care and ensuring the organization's operational integrity. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer is responsible for driving growth and innovation within the healthcare landscape, particularly in the Rockledge, Florida region. By championing the company's core values, Lovely Merdelus ensures that Health First consistently meets the evolving needs of its patient population. This leadership position involves critical decision-making regarding resource allocation and strategic partnerships to advance the company's mission and market presence.

    Joshua Pulver - Chief Financial Officer

    Joshua Pulver, the Chief Financial Officer at Health First, manages the comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal operations of the hospital services provider. This executive oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring robust fiscal health for the organization's intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. Pulver's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance and resource allocation to support Health First's mission in Rockledge, Florida. The Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial role in managing investments, controlling expenditures, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By providing critical financial insights, Joshua Pulver enables informed strategic decision-making across the organization. This leadership function is vital for maintaining the company's operational stability and capacity for future expansion.
    Joshua Pulver

    Kristen Pulio - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Pulio, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Health First, leads the financial strategy and oversight for the organization's extensive hospital operations. This executive manages all financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions, ensuring the fiscal integrity of services including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care. Pulio's role involves driving financial performance, managing capital allocation, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization across the Rockledge, Florida-based entity. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates closely with other senior leaders to support strategic growth and operational efficiency. By providing expert financial guidance, Kristen Pulio ensures Health First maintains a strong financial foundation to fulfill its commitment to patient care. This position is critical for navigating the complex financial landscape of the healthcare industry.
    Kristen Pulio

    Larry Garrison - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Larry Garrison, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Health First, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency of the hospital services provider. This executive directs all aspects of service delivery, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, ensuring seamless patient care and operational excellence. Garrison's responsibilities encompass optimizing resource utilization, managing operational workflows, and implementing best practices across all facilities in Rockledge, Florida. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in enhancing patient satisfaction and driving operational improvements. By leading cross-functional teams, Larry Garrison ensures that Health First consistently meets its service commitments and strategic objectives. This leadership function is fundamental to the organization's ability to provide high-quality healthcare.

    Michael Mullowney - President, Hospital Division

    Michael Mullowney, the President, Hospital Division at Health First, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's hospital facilities. This executive is responsible for the performance and growth of services including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care, ensuring alignment with the overall corporate mission. Mullowney oversees the integration of clinical services with administrative functions, driving efficiency and patient satisfaction across the Rockledge, Florida operations. The President, Hospital Division plays a key role in developing and implementing strategies to enhance market position and service quality. By fostering collaboration among hospital leadership, Michael Mullowney ensures Health First remains a leading provider of comprehensive healthcare services. This executive's focus is on delivering exceptional patient care and achieving operational excellence.
    Michael Mullowney

    Cissy Mendoza - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cissy Mendoza, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Health First, provides critical administrative and operational support to the human resources leadership. This role involves managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and facilitating communication to ensure the smooth functioning of HR operations related to hospital services. Mendoza assists in organizing employee engagement initiatives and supporting HR policy implementation across intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services departments. The Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key part in maintaining efficient HR workflows, contributing to a positive employee experience within the Rockledge, Florida-based organization. By handling essential logistical tasks, Cissy Mendoza enables the Chief Human Resources Officer to focus on strategic talent management and organizational development.

    Paula Just - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Paula Just, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Health First, directs the strategic development and execution of all human capital initiatives for the hospital services provider. This executive oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce to support intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. Just is responsible for cultivating a positive organizational culture and driving HR policies that align with Health First's mission in Rockledge, Florida. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a pivotal role in workforce planning, leadership development, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Paula Just enhances organizational effectiveness and retention. This leadership function is essential for supporting the company's operational goals and long-term success.
    Paula Just

    Naushad Amin - Chief Medical Officer

    Naushad Amin, the Chief Medical Officer at Health First, provides critical clinical leadership and strategic direction for all medical operations. This executive ensures the highest standards of patient care are maintained across intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, aligning clinical practice with organizational goals. Amin oversees the medical staff, guides clinical quality improvement initiatives, and champions evidence-based medicine throughout the Rockledge, Florida healthcare system. The Chief Medical Officer plays a pivotal role in shaping clinical strategy, managing medical staff relations, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, Naushad Amin enhances patient outcomes and safety. This leadership position is essential for integrating medical expertise with the operational and financial objectives of Health First.

    Parvaneh Khorshidi - Officer

    Parvaneh Khorshidi, the Officer at Health First, contributes to the strategic oversight and governance of the hospital services provider. This role involves supporting key organizational initiatives and ensuring adherence to established operational and ethical standards across intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. Khorshidi's responsibilities include contributing to decision-making processes that impact the company's direction and performance within the Rockledge, Florida healthcare market. The Officer role is integral to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Health First's operations. By providing dedicated support to leadership, Parvaneh Khorshidi assists in advancing the company's mission to deliver high-quality patient care. This position is crucial for the overall management and strategic execution of the organization's objectives.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Health First Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Health First?
    Health First is led by Youssef Abdelrahman (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Lovely Merdelus (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Joshua Pulver (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Health First’s executive team?
    The executive team of Health First includes leaders such as Youssef Abdelrahman (Chief Executive Officer), Lovely Merdelus (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Joshua Pulver (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Health First have?
    Health First has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Health First’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Health First includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.