Heartland Dental Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Heartland Dental has 5 executives leading key functions including human resources, marketing, financial strategy, corporate operations, and professional clinical governance.

Committed to empowering dental practitioners, Heartland Dental delivers comprehensive administrative support services to streamline business operations. This mission allows clinicians to prioritize patient care while the organization manages complex marketing, accounting, and administrative requirements across the national landscape.

Leadership Roles at Heartland Dental

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Travis Franklin
  • President - Henry Schmahl
  • President, PC - Stephen Knoll
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Craig Kabbes
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Sherianne James
  • Travis Franklin - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Travis Franklin, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Heartland Dental, manages all fiscal planning, capital allocation, and financial reporting processes. Overseeing the financial health of the entire organization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that administrative support services remain cost-effective and scalable for supported dental practices. This leadership role involves directing complex budgeting cycles and investment strategies that fuel national expansion. By optimizing accounting workflows and financial controls, Franklin provides the necessary infrastructure for sustainable business growth. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to maintain transparency and long-term financial stability. Through rigorous analysis of operational expenditures, Travis Franklin drives efficiency across all departments, ensuring that resources align with the core mission of supporting dentists. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer secures the fiscal foundation required for the company to continue providing high-quality administrative services to a growing network of clinical partners.
    Travis Franklin

    Henry Schmahl - President

    Henry Schmahl, the President at Heartland Dental, directs the overarching operational strategy and execution of the company's business model. Overseeing the integration of administrative support services across the national network, the President ensures that all departments function in alignment with the goal of empowering dental practitioners. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to streamline business processes, including marketing and accounting, to maximize clinical focus. By driving operational excellence, Schmahl facilitates the expansion of the company's footprint while maintaining high standards of service delivery. The President monitors key performance indicators to ensure that the organization meets its strategic objectives and financial targets. Through consistent oversight of corporate initiatives, Henry Schmahl drives the company's mission to remove administrative burdens from dentists. Ultimately, the President secures the long-term viability of the organization by fostering a culture of efficiency, innovation, and unwavering support for the clinical community.

    Stephen Knoll - President, PC

    Stephen Knoll, the President, PC at Heartland Dental, directs the clinical governance and professional standards for the organization's supported dental practices. Overseeing the professional corporation structure, the President, PC ensures that all clinical operations adhere to the highest regulatory and ethical standards. This leadership role involves managing the relationship between the administrative support entity and the licensed dental professionals to guarantee that patient care remains the primary focus. By architecting clinical protocols and quality assurance programs, Knoll supports the professional autonomy of dentists within the network. The President, PC collaborates with regional clinical leaders to implement best practices that enhance patient outcomes and safety. Through the maintenance of rigorous professional standards, Stephen Knoll drives the reputation of the organization as a trusted partner for dental practitioners. Ultimately, the President, PC secures the integrity of the clinical model, ensuring that every supported practice operates with excellence and professional accountability.

    Craig Kabbes - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Craig Kabbes, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Heartland Dental, directs all talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement initiatives. Overseeing human capital strategies across the entire national network, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that dental practices attract and retain top-tier clinical and administrative talent. This leadership role involves designing robust training programs that support the professional growth of thousands of team members. By aligning workforce capabilities with the broader business model of providing administrative relief to dentists, Kabbes optimizes operational efficiency. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates closely with other C-suite leaders to foster a culture of excellence and clinical support. Through the implementation of scalable HR technologies, Craig Kabbes drives organizational stability and long-term workforce sustainability, ultimately ensuring that every practice maintains the necessary staffing levels to deliver high-quality patient care consistently.
    Craig Kabbes

    Sherianne James - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Sherianne James, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Heartland Dental, architects comprehensive brand strategies and patient acquisition programs. Overseeing marketing operations across the national footprint, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that individual dental practices benefit from sophisticated digital campaigns and local outreach initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to position the company as the premier partner for dental professionals seeking administrative support. By leveraging data-driven insights, James enhances the visibility of supported practices, directly impacting patient volume and revenue growth. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with regional operations teams to maintain brand consistency while allowing for local market customization. Through the development of innovative communication channels, Sherianne James drives brand loyalty and strengthens the competitive market position of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the company's reputation as a leader in the dental support industry by consistently delivering measurable growth outcomes.
    Sherianne James

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Heartland Dental Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Heartland Dental?
    Heartland Dental is led by Travis Franklin (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Henry Schmahl (President) and Stephen Knoll (President, PC).
    Who is part of Heartland Dental’s executive team?
    The executive team of Heartland Dental includes leaders such as Travis Franklin (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Henry Schmahl (President), Stephen Knoll (President, PC) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Heartland Dental have?
    Heartland Dental has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Heartland Dental’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Heartland Dental includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, PC, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer.