Health First Executive and Leadership Team

Lovely Merdelus, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Health First, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire hospital network. Merdelus architects long-term growth initiatives while ensuring the delivery of high-acuity intensive care and rehabilitation services across the Florida market. By aligning clinical excellence with operational efficiency, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains the organization's competitive position within the healthcare sector. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service delivery models and expand emergency care capabilities. Lovely Merdelus monitors key performance indicators to guarantee that patient outcomes remain the primary focus of all institutional activities. Through rigorous oversight of hospital infrastructure and resource allocation, the executive drives sustainable development. Ultimately, Merdelus secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise, ensuring that the mission of providing comprehensive medical support remains central to every decision made within the organization.

Joshua Pulver, the Chief Financial Officer at Health First, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the hospital system. Pulver oversees the budgeting processes for intensive care units and rehabilitation facilities, ensuring that financial resources support critical patient care requirements. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the revenue cycle to sustain high-quality emergency services. This leadership role requires close coordination with department heads to maintain fiscal discipline while funding necessary medical technology upgrades. Joshua Pulver evaluates investment opportunities that enhance the organization's footprint in the Florida healthcare landscape. Through precise financial forecasting and risk management, the executive supports the long-term viability of the institution. Pulver drives efficiency across all administrative functions, ensuring that every dollar spent directly contributes to the improvement of patient outcomes and the expansion of essential hospital services throughout the region.

Jeffrey Smith, the Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services at Health First, manages the financial operations specifically tailored to community-based medical programs and outpatient services. Smith architects budget frameworks that support the delivery of rehabilitation and preventative care within the local population. By monitoring the financial performance of community health initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer, Community Health Services ensures that these programs remain sustainable and accessible. This leadership role involves analyzing cost-effectiveness for various community outreach efforts and coordinating with the broader finance team to align resources. Jeffrey Smith evaluates the impact of community health investments on the overall hospital system's revenue and patient satisfaction metrics. Through rigorous financial oversight, the executive supports the expansion of services that address the specific needs of the regional population. Smith drives fiscal responsibility, ensuring that community health programs contribute positively to the organization's mission of providing comprehensive and high-quality medical care.

Kristen Pulio, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Health First, oversees the enterprise-wide financial strategy and long-term capital planning for the hospital network. Pulio architects robust financial models that support the expansion of intensive care and emergency service infrastructure. By directing the treasury and accounting functions, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the financial stability required for large-scale medical operations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to assess the financial feasibility of new clinical programs and facility acquisitions. Kristen Pulio monitors macroeconomic factors that influence healthcare spending and adjusts fiscal strategies to mitigate risks. Through strategic oversight of the organization's balance sheet, the executive supports the continuous improvement of patient care facilities. Pulio drives financial performance, ensuring that the hospital system maintains the necessary resources to deliver high-quality medical services while achieving sustainable growth across the Florida market.

Aimee Tieu, the Founder and President, Women Physicians' Council at Health First, leads initiatives focused on professional development and advocacy for female medical practitioners within the organization. Tieu architects mentorship programs and networking opportunities that enhance the retention and leadership growth of women in medicine. By fostering an inclusive environment, the Founder and President, Women Physicians' Council ensures that the hospital system benefits from diverse clinical perspectives in intensive care and emergency services. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive management to address systemic barriers and promote equitable career advancement. Aimee Tieu organizes forums and educational events that highlight the contributions of female physicians to patient care and clinical research. Through strategic advocacy, the executive supports the overall mission of the hospital system to attract top-tier medical talent. Tieu drives organizational culture, ensuring that the medical staff remains empowered and motivated to deliver exceptional care to the community.

Paula Just, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Health First, directs talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the entire hospital network. Just architects comprehensive programs to recruit and retain specialized medical staff, including intensive care nurses and rehabilitation therapists. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a high standard of patient care across all emergency departments. This leadership role involves managing labor relations, employee benefits, and professional development initiatives that align with the company's mission. Paula Just implements performance management systems that reward clinical proficiency and operational efficiency. Through strategic workforce planning, the executive addresses the evolving staffing needs of the healthcare industry in Florida. Just drives organizational engagement, ensuring that the medical team remains focused on delivering compassionate and effective care to the community while supporting the overall growth objectives of the hospital system.

Cissy Mendoza, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Health First, coordinates administrative workflows and operational support for the human resources department. Mendoza facilitates communication between the Chief Human Resources Officer and various clinical leadership teams to ensure seamless execution of personnel policies. By managing complex scheduling and project documentation, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer optimizes the efficiency of the HR function. This role involves tracking key metrics related to staff recruitment and retention within the hospital's intensive care and rehabilitation units. Cissy Mendoza organizes executive meetings and prepares critical reports that inform strategic decisions regarding workforce management. Through meticulous attention to detail, the executive supports the implementation of organizational initiatives that enhance employee performance. Mendoza drives administrative excellence, ensuring that the human resources team remains aligned with the broader goals of the hospital system while maintaining high standards of operational support.

Naushad Amin, the Chief Medical Officer at Health First, directs the clinical standards and medical quality initiatives across all hospital facilities. Amin architects evidence-based protocols for intensive care and emergency services to ensure optimal patient outcomes. By overseeing the medical staff and clinical departments, the Chief Medical Officer maintains rigorous compliance with healthcare regulations and safety standards. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to integrate new medical technologies into daily practice. Naushad Amin evaluates clinical performance data to identify areas for improvement in rehabilitation and acute care services. Through the promotion of a culture of safety and continuous learning, the executive supports the professional development of the entire medical team. Amin drives clinical excellence, ensuring that the hospital system provides high-quality, patient-centered care that meets the evolving needs of the community while maintaining the highest standards of medical practice.

Meredith Tinti, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Health First, supports the implementation of clinical quality programs and patient safety protocols across the hospital network. Tinti architects operational improvements within the emergency and intensive care departments to enhance the efficiency of medical service delivery. By analyzing clinical outcomes and patient feedback, the Associate Chief Medical Officer identifies opportunities to refine treatment pathways and improve care coordination. This leadership role involves working closely with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that all clinical staff adhere to established medical standards. Meredith Tinti manages specific quality improvement projects that target reduced readmission rates and enhanced rehabilitation success. Through active engagement with frontline medical teams, the executive supports the adoption of best practices in patient care. Tinti drives clinical performance, ensuring that the hospital system maintains its reputation for high-quality medical services while continuously optimizing the patient experience.

Cheyana Fischer, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Health First, directs the operational infrastructure and administrative functions that support the hospital system's daily activities. Fischer architects efficient processes for facility management, supply chain logistics, and non-clinical support services. By overseeing the integration of administrative systems, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that clinical teams have the necessary resources to provide intensive care and emergency services. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. Cheyana Fischer evaluates the performance of support departments to ensure alignment with the organization's strategic goals. Through the implementation of process improvements, the executive supports the overall efficiency of the hospital network. Fischer drives operational excellence, ensuring that the administrative foundation of the organization remains robust and capable of supporting the delivery of high-quality medical care across the Florida region.