Inova Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Inova has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, operational management, clinical oversight, and specialized service line development.

Committed to advancing regional health outcomes, Inova delivers comprehensive medical services across Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC metropolitan area to ensure every patient receives compassionate, expert care.

Leadership Roles at Inova

  • Chief Financial Officer - Edward Healey
  • Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc - Patricia Byrnes Schmehl
  • Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute - John Deeken
  • Primary President, Care Service Line - Craig Cheifetz
  • President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular - Christopher O'Connor
  • Immediate President, Medical Staff - Jeffrey Coster
  • President, Women's Services - Larry Maxwell
  • President, Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line - Dr. Robin West
  • Chief Medical Officer - Christopher Chiantella
  • Chief Medical Officer, Acting - Kirsten Edmiston
  • Edward Healey - Chief Financial Officer

    Edward Healey, the Chief Financial Officer at Inova, directs the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of this expansive nonprofit healthcare network. Managing capital allocation and revenue cycle optimization, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources align with the delivery of high-quality clinical care for over one million unique patients annually. Healey oversees financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies that support the growth of hospitals and outpatient facilities across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. By maintaining rigorous fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to invest in advanced medical technologies and infrastructure. Edward Healey monitors financial performance metrics to drive operational efficiency, ensuring the system remains a stable, leading provider of healthcare services. Through strategic financial oversight, Healey secures the necessary funding to expand access to primary and specialty care, ultimately strengthening the overall mission of providing compassionate, expert medical treatment to the community.

    Patricia Byrnes Schmehl - Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc

    Patricia Byrnes Schmehl, the Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc at Inova, manages the daily operational workflows and clinical service delivery within the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Overseeing complex hospital operations, the Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc ensures seamless patient experiences across emergency, urgent, and specialty care departments. Schmehl coordinates with clinical leadership to optimize patient throughput and maintain high standards of care quality throughout the facility. By streamlining administrative processes and resource management, the Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc supports the broader organizational goal of treating illness and healing injury for millions of annual patient visits. Patricia Byrnes Schmehl drives initiatives that enhance operational agility, allowing the campus to respond effectively to the healthcare needs of the Northern Virginia region. Through meticulous oversight of hospital functions, Schmehl maintains the operational excellence required to support the diverse medical requirements of the patient population.

    John Deeken - Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute

    John Deeken, the Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute at Inova, directs the integration of genomic research into clinical practice to advance personalized medicine. Managing the operational framework of the institute, the Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute facilitates the translation of scientific discoveries into actionable patient care strategies. Deeken oversees laboratory operations, research partnerships, and the implementation of precision medicine protocols that define the future of healthcare delivery. By aligning research objectives with the clinical needs of the broader hospital network, the Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute ensures that patients benefit from cutting-edge medical innovations. John Deeken coordinates with clinical teams to apply genomic insights to patient treatment plans, enhancing the ability to address complex health conditions. Through this leadership role, Deeken drives the development of advanced diagnostic tools, positioning the organization at the forefront of medical science and patient-centered care.
    John Deeken

    Craig Cheifetz - Primary President, Care Service Line

    Craig Cheifetz, the Primary President, Care Service Line at Inova, directs the strategic expansion and operational management of primary care services across the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC metropolitan area. Overseeing a vast network of primary care practices, the Primary President, Care Service Line ensures that patients receive accessible, preventative, and ongoing medical support. Cheifetz coordinates with specialty care teams to create integrated care pathways that address the whole health of every patient. By optimizing practice workflows and patient engagement strategies, the Primary President, Care Service Line drives improvements in population health management and chronic disease prevention. Craig Cheifetz monitors service line performance to ensure that primary care remains a cornerstone of the organization's mission to help patients flourish. Through this leadership role, Cheifetz expands the reach of primary care services, ensuring that the community has reliable access to high-quality medical guidance and support for long-term wellness.

    Christopher O'Connor - President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular

    Christopher O'Connor, the President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular at Inova, directs the clinical and operational strategy for the cardiovascular service line. Overseeing specialized heart and vascular care, the President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular ensures that patients receive advanced diagnostic and treatment services for complex cardiac conditions. O'Connor coordinates with multidisciplinary teams to integrate the latest medical technologies into patient care, enhancing outcomes for those with heart-related illnesses. By driving growth and service excellence within the vascular department, the President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular supports the organization's commitment to delivering top-tier clinical care. Christopher O'Connor monitors operational efficiency and patient satisfaction metrics to maintain the reputation of the service line as a regional leader. Through strategic leadership, O'Connor expands access to specialized cardiovascular treatments, ensuring that the system effectively addresses the critical heart health needs of the diverse patient population served.
    Christopher O'Connor

    Jeffrey Coster - Immediate President, Medical Staff

    Jeffrey Coster, the Immediate President, Medical Staff at Inova, directs the engagement and professional standards of the medical staff across the hospital network. Overseeing physician relations and medical governance, the Immediate President, Medical Staff ensures that clinical teams remain aligned with the organization's mission of providing expert, compassionate care. Coster facilitates communication between the medical staff and executive leadership to address clinical challenges and promote a collaborative environment. By fostering professional development and maintaining high standards of medical practice, the Immediate President, Medical Staff supports the delivery of quality healthcare for millions of patients. Jeffrey Coster monitors staff performance and clinical culture to ensure that the organization attracts and retains top medical talent. Through this leadership role, Coster strengthens the connection between the medical staff and the broader strategic goals of the system, ultimately ensuring that patients receive the best possible care from a highly skilled and motivated team.

    Larry Maxwell - President, Women's Services

    Larry Maxwell, the President, Women's Services at Inova, directs the strategic development and operational delivery of comprehensive healthcare services tailored to women. Overseeing maternity care, gynecological services, and specialized women's health programs, the President, Women's Services ensures that patients receive expert, compassionate care throughout every stage of life. Maxwell coordinates with clinical teams to integrate advanced medical technologies and patient-centered practices into the service line. By driving initiatives that improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes, the President, Women's Services supports the organization's mission to help patients flourish. Larry Maxwell monitors service line performance and patient feedback to enhance the quality and accessibility of care across the region. Through strategic leadership, Maxwell expands the reach of women's health services, ensuring that the system provides a supportive and effective environment for the diverse healthcare needs of women in the community.

    Dr. Robin West - President, Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line

    Dr. Robin West, the President, Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line at Inova, directs the clinical strategy and operational management for orthopedic and musculoskeletal care. Overseeing a network of specialty practices and surgical services, the President, Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line ensures that patients receive expert treatment for injuries and chronic conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. West coordinates with surgeons, physical therapists, and clinical staff to provide integrated care pathways that promote recovery and long-term health. By driving the adoption of advanced surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols, the President, Inova Musculoskeletal Service Line supports the organization's commitment to healing injury and restoring patient function. Dr. Robin West monitors clinical outcomes and service line efficiency to maintain high standards of care across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Through strategic leadership, West expands access to specialized musculoskeletal treatments, ensuring that the system effectively addresses the diverse orthopedic needs of the patient population.

    Christopher Chiantella - Chief Medical Officer

    Christopher Chiantella, the Chief Medical Officer at Inova, architects the clinical standards and medical governance that define the quality of care across the entire healthcare system. Overseeing physician performance, clinical safety protocols, and medical staff alignment, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that every hospital and outpatient center adheres to evidence-based practices. Chiantella collaborates with executive leadership to implement system-wide health initiatives that improve patient outcomes and reduce clinical variability. By fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, the Chief Medical Officer supports the delivery of compassionate care for over four million annual patient visits. Christopher Chiantella monitors clinical metrics to identify opportunities for service enhancement, ensuring the organization remains a leader in medical innovation. Through strategic oversight of medical staff, Chiantella maintains the high standards of expertise required to treat illness and injury, ultimately ensuring that the system provides a seamless and effective experience for all patients.
    Christopher Chiantella

    Kirsten Edmiston - Chief Medical Officer, Acting

    Kirsten Edmiston, the Chief Medical Officer, Acting at Inova, directs clinical quality initiatives and medical oversight during this transitional leadership period. Overseeing patient safety protocols and clinical excellence, the Chief Medical Officer, Acting ensures that all hospitals and specialty practices maintain rigorous standards of care. Edmiston collaborates with department heads to implement evidence-based medical practices that improve patient outcomes across the Northern Virginia region. By monitoring clinical performance and addressing medical staff needs, the Chief Medical Officer, Acting supports the organization's commitment to treating illness and healing injury with compassion. Kirsten Edmiston drives strategic improvements in clinical workflows, ensuring that the system continues to deliver a seamless experience for patients. Through this leadership role, Edmiston maintains the stability and quality of medical services, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted provider of healthcare for the millions of patients who rely on the system for their medical needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Inova Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Inova?
    Inova is led by Edward Healey (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Patricia Byrnes Schmehl (Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc) and John Deeken (Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute).
    Who is part of Inova’s executive team?
    The executive team of Inova includes leaders such as Edward Healey (Chief Financial Officer), Patricia Byrnes Schmehl (Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc), John Deeken (Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Inova have?
    Inova has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Inova’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Inova includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President Chief Operating Officer Ifmc, Chief Operating Officer, Inova Translational Medicine Institute, Primary President, Care Service Line, President, Inova Schar Heart and Vascular.