Health First Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Health First has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, human resources, medical operations, and community health services.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Health First focuses on delivering comprehensive hospital services, encompassing intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, to enhance community health outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Health First

  • Chief Executive Officer - Youssef Abdelrahman
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Lovely Merdelus
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Pulio
  • Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services - Jeffrey Smith
  • President, Community Health Services - Andrew Fink
  • Founder and President, Women Physicians' Council - Aimee Tieu
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Paula Just
  • Chief Medical Officer - Richard Baney
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Timothy Laird
  • Officer - Parvaneh Khorshidi
  • Youssef Abdelrahman - Chief Executive Officer

    Youssef Abdelrahman, the Chief Executive Officer at Health First, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Abdelrahman guides the company's mission to provide essential hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care, ensuring alignment with community health needs. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in patient care delivery and managing key relationships with stakeholders. By optimizing resource allocation and driving operational efficiencies, Youssef Abdelrahman directly impacts the organization's ability to serve its patient base effectively. Ultimately, Abdelrahman secures the long-term sustainability and growth of Health First's healthcare services.

    Lovely Merdelus - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Lovely Merdelus, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Health First, established the organization with a core focus on delivering comprehensive hospital services. Merdelus oversees the strategic direction and foundational principles that guide Health First's operations, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. This executive position involves shaping the company's culture and ensuring its services meet the evolving healthcare demands of the community. By championing patient-centered care and strategic partnerships, Lovely Merdelus ensures the organization remains at the forefront of healthcare provision. The founder's vision continues to drive Health First's commitment to excellence in patient outcomes and service delivery.

    Kristen Pulio - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Pulio, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Health First, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Pulio oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital management, ensuring the robust delivery of hospital services like intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care. This critical role involves optimizing financial performance to support Health First's mission and expansion initiatives across Florida. By implementing sound financial controls and driving revenue growth strategies, Kristen Pulio ensures the organization's fiscal stability and capacity for continued service provision. Pulio's financial acumen is vital for sustaining Health First's commitment to community well-being.
    Kristen Pulio

    Jeffrey Smith - Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services

    Jeffrey Smith, the Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services at Health First, spearheads the financial management for the organization's community-focused health initiatives. Smith oversees the fiscal operations supporting a broad spectrum of services, including rehabilitation and emergency care, ensuring financial viability and strategic resource allocation. This role is integral to maintaining the accessibility and quality of Health First's community health programs. By driving financial efficiency and identifying growth opportunities within community services, Jeffrey Smith directly supports the organization's mission to enhance local healthcare access. Smith's financial oversight is key to the sustained impact of Health First's community outreach.

    Andrew Fink - President, Community Health Services

    Andrew Fink, the President, Community Health Services at Health First, directs the strategic development and operational management of the organization's community-focused healthcare initiatives. Fink oversees the delivery of essential services designed to meet the specific needs of the local population, including rehabilitation and preventative care programs. This leadership position is vital for expanding Health First's reach and impact within the communities it serves. By fostering partnerships and driving program innovation, Andrew Fink ensures that community health services are accessible, effective, and aligned with patient well-being. Fink's leadership strengthens Health First's commitment to holistic community care.
    Andrew Fink

    Aimee Tieu - Founder and President, Women Physicians' Council

    Aimee Tieu, the Founder and President, Women Physicians' Council at Health First, champions initiatives focused on supporting and advancing women in medical leadership. Tieu leads the council's efforts to foster professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for female physicians within the organization. This role is instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within Health First's clinical ranks, ensuring a broad range of perspectives in patient care delivery. By advocating for the unique needs and contributions of women physicians, Aimee Tieu enhances the overall strength and expertise of the medical staff. Tieu's dedication cultivates a more equitable and supportive environment for all healthcare professionals.

    Paula Just - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Paula Just, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Health First, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Just oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce planning to support the delivery of specialized hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. This leadership position is crucial for cultivating a skilled and dedicated workforce that uphms Health First's commitment to patient care. By fostering a positive work environment and implementing effective HR policies, Paula Just ensures the organization attracts and retains top talent. Just's strategic approach to human resources directly contributes to Health First's operational excellence and patient satisfaction.
    Paula Just

    Richard Baney - Chief Medical Officer

    Richard Baney, the Chief Medical Officer at Health First, leads the clinical strategy and medical operations across all hospital services. Baney ensures the highest standards of patient care are maintained in areas such as intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, aligning medical practices with organizational goals. This executive role involves guiding clinical teams, implementing evidence-based medicine, and overseeing quality improvement initiatives. By championing clinical excellence and patient safety, Richard Baney directly influences the quality of care delivered throughout Health First. Baney's medical leadership is fundamental to the organization's reputation for effective and compassionate healthcare.

    Timothy Laird - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Timothy Laird, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Health First, collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to enhance clinical operations and patient care quality. Laird supports the implementation of medical protocols and quality assurance programs across hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. This position is key to ensuring that Health First adheres to the highest standards of medical practice and patient safety. By contributing to clinical strategy and operational improvements, Timothy Laird directly supports the organization's mission to provide exceptional healthcare. Laird's role reinforces Health First's commitment to clinical excellence and patient well-being.

    Parvaneh Khorshidi - Officer

    Parvaneh Khorshidi, the Officer at Health First, holds a key position responsible for overseeing specific operational or strategic functions within the organization. Khorshidi contributes to the effective management of hospital services, ensuring that intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services operate efficiently and meet patient needs. This role involves executing directives and supporting the broader leadership team in achieving Health First's objectives. By managing assigned responsibilities with precision, Parvaneh Khorshidi directly supports the organization's commitment to providing high-quality healthcare. Khorshidi's contributions are integral to the smooth functioning of Health First's operations.

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    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 Kristen Pulio (Executive Vice President & 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), Kristen Pulio (Executive Vice President & 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services, President, Community Health Services.