Health First Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Stephen Johnson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Donald Hairston
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Pulio
  • President, Hospital Division - Michael Mullowney
  • President, The Medical Staff - Fuad Ramadan
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Paula Just
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Cissy Mendoza
  • Chief Medical Officer - Richard Baney
  • 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 critical relationships with stakeholders across the healthcare landscape. By focusing on sustainable growth and operational excellence, Youssef Abdelrahman drives the organization's commitment to high-quality healthcare services. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to financial health, regulatory compliance, and the strategic expansion of services to meet evolving patient demands. This executive ensures the core values of Health First are upheld across all departments and facilities.

    Stephen Johnson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Johnson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Health First, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive management of the organization. Johnson oversees the delivery of critical hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, ensuring the highest standards of patient care. This executive role involves cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation throughout the healthcare system. By championing initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, Stephen Johnson directly impacts the organization's market position and community trust. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass financial oversight, strategic partnerships, and the long-term development of Health First's service offerings. Johnson ensures robust governance and effective resource allocation to support the company's mission.

    Donald Hairston - Chief Financial Officer

    Donald Hairston, the Chief Financial Officer at Health First, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Hairston oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the delivery of hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care. This executive role is critical in ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of Health First's operations. By implementing robust financial controls and driving cost-efficiency measures, Donald Hairston directly contributes to the organization's ability to provide accessible healthcare. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include managing investments, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Hairston's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to advance the company's mission.

    Kristen Pulio - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Pulio, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Health First, collaborates on and executes the organization's financial strategy and oversight. Pulio supports the management of financial operations, including budgeting and capital allocation, to ensure the effective delivery of hospital services such as intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services. This executive role is integral to maintaining the financial health and operational capacity of Health First. By contributing to financial planning and risk management, Kristen Pulio enhances the organization's ability to invest in patient care advancements. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's duties involve analyzing financial performance, supporting strategic investments, and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all departments. Pulio's efforts bolster the company's financial resilience.
    Kristen Pulio

    Michael Mullowney - President, Hospital Division

    Michael Mullowney, the President, Hospital Division at Health First, directs the operational management and strategic growth of the company's hospital facilities. Mullowney oversees the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, ensuring operational efficiency and high-quality patient care. This executive role is crucial for optimizing the performance and reach of Health First's hospital network. By implementing best practices in hospital administration and fostering inter-departmental synergy, Michael Mullowney enhances the patient experience and organizational effectiveness. The President, Hospital Division's responsibilities include managing hospital budgets, leading facility expansions, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Mullowney drives excellence in hospital operations.
    Michael Mullowney

    Fuad Ramadan - President, The Medical Staff

    Fuad Ramadan, the President, The Medical Staff at Health First, serves as the primary liaison between the organization's leadership and its physicians. Ramadan champions the interests of the medical staff and ensures the effective delivery of clinical services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, by fostering collaboration and addressing physician needs. This executive role is vital for maintaining a cohesive and high-performing medical team. By advocating for resources and supporting professional development, Fuad Ramadan enhances the quality of care provided to patients. The President, The Medical Staff's responsibilities include facilitating communication, participating in clinical governance, and promoting a culture of medical excellence. Ramadan's leadership strengthens the medical community within Health First.
    Fuad Ramadan

    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 comprehensive hospital services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care. This executive role is pivotal in cultivating a skilled and engaged workforce dedicated to patient well-being. By championing employee development programs and fostering a positive work environment, Paula Just ensures Health First attracts and retains top healthcare professionals. The Chief Human Resources Officer's responsibilities include managing compensation and benefits, implementing HR policies, and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Just's leadership strengthens the organizational capacity to meet healthcare demands.

    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. Mendoza facilitates the smooth execution of HR initiatives, including talent management and employee engagement programs, which are essential for delivering comprehensive hospital services like intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency care. This role is vital in ensuring the efficiency of the HR department and supporting the overall workforce strategy. By managing schedules, coordinating communications, and organizing key HR-related events, Cissy Mendoza ensures that the Chief Human Resources Officer can effectively focus on strategic objectives. Mendoza's diligent support underpins the effective functioning of the human resources division.

    Richard Baney - Chief Medical Officer

    Richard Baney, the Chief Medical Officer at Health First, leads clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of medical care across the organization. Baney oversees the quality of patient services, including intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, driving clinical excellence and patient safety initiatives. This executive role is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of Health First's medical operations. By guiding clinical protocols and fostering collaboration among medical staff, Richard Baney directly enhances patient outcomes and satisfaction. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include medical staff credentialing, clinical research oversight, and the implementation of evidence-based medical practices. Baney's expertise ensures superior patient care delivery.

    Parvaneh Khorshidi - Officer

    Parvaneh Khorshidi, the Officer at Health First, contributes to the strategic execution and operational oversight of the organization's initiatives. Khorshidi supports the delivery of essential hospital services, such as intensive care, rehabilitation, and emergency services, by ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory standards. This role is important in maintaining the smooth functioning of Health First's operations and advancing its mission. By contributing to key projects and ensuring adherence to established protocols, Parvaneh Khorshidi supports the overall effectiveness of the organization. The Officer's responsibilities may encompass various aspects of management and strategic implementation, contributing to the company's sustained success and patient care quality.

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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 Stephen Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Donald Hairston (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), Stephen Johnson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Donald Hairston (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, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Hospital Division.