HealthNet Executive and Leadership Team

René Kougel, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at HealthNet, directs the overarching strategic vision and daily operational execution for the organization. Kougel manages the integration of clinical service delivery with administrative efficiency to ensure that quality health services remain accessible to Indianapolis inner-city neighborhoods. By aligning departmental goals with the mission of improving community health status, the President & Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer drives sustainable growth and resource allocation. René Kougel maintains constant communication with the Board to refine long-term objectives and operational standards. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the executive ensures that all programs meet the highest standards of care. This leadership role involves balancing complex fiscal requirements with the urgent needs of the patient population, ultimately securing the stability and reach of the entire healthcare network.

Joe Lackey, the Chief Financial Officer at HealthNet, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the organization. Lackey oversees all budgetary planning, financial reporting, and capital allocation strategies necessary to support the delivery of quality health services. By monitoring revenue streams and optimizing cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain directed toward the most critical community health initiatives. Joe Lackey collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial feasibility of new programs and expansion efforts within urban neighborhoods. This role involves maintaining strict compliance with regulatory standards while providing the transparency required for effective organizational governance. Through precise financial modeling and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the broader mission of making healthcare accessible to everyone. Lackey secures the necessary funding and fiscal discipline to sustain operations across all regional service locations.

Sheila Allen, the Chief Administrative Officer at HealthNet, directs the internal infrastructure and organizational processes that enable efficient service delivery. Allen oversees human resources, facility management, and operational workflows to ensure that the staff possesses the tools required for high-quality patient care. By streamlining administrative functions, the Chief Administrative Officer reduces operational friction and enhances the overall effectiveness of the healthcare network. Sheila Allen coordinates with other C-suite leaders to implement policies that foster a productive and compliant work environment. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of supporting multiple health centers across Indianapolis. Through the development of robust administrative systems, the Chief Administrative Officer drives organizational performance and supports the mission of improving health status in inner-city neighborhoods. Allen maintains a focus on operational excellence to ensure that every administrative decision directly benefits the patient experience and community outcomes.

Varon Cantrell, the Chief Medical Officer at HealthNet, directs the clinical strategy and quality assurance protocols for all medical services provided by the organization. Cantrell oversees the performance of clinical teams, ensuring that patient care standards align with the mission of improving health status in underserved neighborhoods. By implementing evidence-based practices and monitoring clinical outcomes, the Chief Medical Officer drives continuous improvement in the quality of health services. Varon Cantrell collaborates with the executive team to integrate medical initiatives with broader organizational goals, ensuring that clinical operations remain both effective and accessible. This leadership role involves managing physician relations and maintaining high standards of medical excellence across all service sites. Through the oversight of clinical programs, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization meets the diverse health needs of the community. Cantrell maintains a focus on patient safety and clinical innovation to support long-term health equity.