HopeHealth Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

HopeHealth has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, clinical oversight, financial management, human resources, technology, and administrative coordination.

Committed to expanding accessible care across South Carolina, HopeHealth delivers integrated health services to over 50,000 patients while maintaining a mission of community-focused medical excellence.

Leadership Roles at HopeHealth

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charles Humphries
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jean Dawson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Melissa Haines
  • Chief of Staff - Sallie Bachman
  • Chief Information Officer - Rufus Jackson
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Deena Hilton
  • Chief Medical Officer - Edward Behling
  • Charles Humphries - Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Humphries, the Chief Executive Officer at HopeHealth, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By overseeing the transition from a grassroots support entity to a Federally Qualified Health Center, Humphries ensures the delivery of comprehensive primary and pediatric care across South Carolina. The Chief Executive Officer manages relationships with the Board to align clinical expansion with community needs. This leadership role involves scaling service lines like rheumatology and endocrinology to meet the demands of 50,000 patients. By fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders, Charles Humphries secures the long-term sustainability of the health center. The Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence across all counties, ensuring that the organization remains a pillar of health for the region. Through consistent focus on patient outcomes, Humphries maintains the high standards required for federally qualified status while navigating the complexities of modern healthcare delivery.

    Jean Dawson - Chief Financial Officer

    Jean Dawson, the Chief Financial Officer at HopeHealth, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. By overseeing budgeting, revenue cycle management, and grant funding, Dawson ensures the financial stability required to support primary, dental, and women's health services. The Chief Financial Officer monitors the economic performance of clinics across South Carolina, ensuring that resources are distributed effectively to meet the needs of 50,000 patients. This leadership role involves analyzing financial trends to support the expansion of specialized care like rheumatology and endocrinology. Jean Dawson drives fiscal accountability by implementing rigorous reporting standards that satisfy federal requirements. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to secure funding for new initiatives, including substance use treatment and behavioral health programs. By optimizing the financial structure, Dawson enables the organization to continue its mission of providing high-quality, affordable care to the communities served.

    Melissa Haines - Chief Operating Officer

    Melissa Haines, the Chief Operating Officer at HopeHealth, directs the daily operations of all clinical facilities across the South Carolina network. By overseeing the logistics of primary care, dental, and chiropractic services, Haines ensures that patient flow remains efficient and effective. The Chief Operating Officer manages the operational integration of new service lines, including endocrinology and pain management, to meet the needs of 50,000 patients. This leadership role involves standardizing clinical workflows to maintain high quality across Aiken, Clarendon, Florence, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg counties. Melissa Haines drives performance improvements by analyzing operational metrics and implementing best practices for patient care delivery. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the medical leadership to ensure that facilities are equipped to handle the diverse health needs of the community. By focusing on operational scalability, Haines supports the organization's mission of expanding access to comprehensive health services.

    Sallie Bachman - Chief of Staff

    Sallie Bachman, the Chief of Staff at HopeHealth, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication across all clinical departments. By managing the administrative infrastructure, Bachman ensures that the leadership team remains aligned with the mission of providing integrated health services. The Chief of Staff oversees internal projects that support the expansion of dental, chiropractic, and behavioral health programs. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes to improve efficiency for over 100 providers. Sallie Bachman directly impacts the organizational culture by fostering collaboration between administrative staff and medical practitioners. The Chief of Staff monitors the execution of strategic initiatives across the South Carolina service area, ensuring that resources reach patients in Aiken, Clarendon, Florence, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg counties. By optimizing internal operations, Bachman supports the broader goal of delivering high-quality, accessible care to the diverse patient population served by the organization.

    Rufus Jackson - Chief Information Officer

    Rufus Jackson, the Chief Information Officer at HopeHealth, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for managing patient data across multiple clinical specialties. By implementing secure electronic health record systems, Jackson ensures that providers in primary care, psychiatry, and pain management access accurate information to improve patient outcomes. The Chief Information Officer oversees the integration of technology across all South Carolina locations, facilitating seamless communication between departments. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive health data while enabling the scalability of digital services for 50,000 patients. Rufus Jackson drives innovation in telehealth and data analytics to support the organization's growth. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to align technological investments with the long-term mission of the health center. By maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols, Jackson safeguards the integrity of the clinical environment, ensuring that technology remains a reliable tool for delivering comprehensive medical services.

    Deena Hilton - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Deena Hilton, the Chief Human Resources Officer at HopeHealth, manages the recruitment, retention, and development of the organization's workforce. By overseeing the staffing of over 100 providers and support personnel, Hilton ensures that the health center maintains the talent necessary to deliver primary, pediatric, and behavioral health services. The Chief Human Resources Officer designs programs that foster professional growth and employee engagement across all South Carolina locations. This leadership role involves aligning human capital strategies with the mission of providing integrated care to 50,000 patients. Deena Hilton drives initiatives that promote a culture of excellence and inclusivity within the clinical environment. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with the executive team to address workforce challenges and ensure that staffing levels support the expansion of specialized services like rheumatology and women's health. By optimizing talent management, Hilton secures the human resources required for long-term organizational success.

    Edward Behling - Chief Medical Officer

    Edward Behling, the Chief Medical Officer at HopeHealth, directs the clinical standards and medical practices across all service lines. By overseeing the quality of care in primary, pediatric, and psychiatric departments, Behling ensures that the organization meets the health needs of 50,000 patients. The Chief Medical Officer manages the clinical performance of over 100 providers, ensuring adherence to evidence-based protocols in rheumatology, endocrinology, and pain management. This leadership role involves mentoring medical staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in patient outcomes. Edward Behling drives the integration of behavioral health and substance use treatment into the primary care model. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with the executive team to expand service offerings across South Carolina, ensuring that clinical operations align with the mission of the health center. By maintaining rigorous medical standards, Behling ensures that the organization remains a trusted provider of comprehensive health services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding HopeHealth Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads HopeHealth?
    HopeHealth is led by Charles Humphries (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jean Dawson (Chief Financial Officer) and Melissa Haines (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of HopeHealth’s executive team?
    The executive team of HopeHealth includes leaders such as Charles Humphries (Chief Executive Officer), Jean Dawson (Chief Financial Officer), Melissa Haines (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does HopeHealth have?
    HopeHealth has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in HopeHealth’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of HopeHealth includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.