Jackson Health System Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jackson Health System has 10 executives leading key functions including medical center administration, financial oversight, operational management, information technology, government relations, and clinical leadership.

Committed to delivering comprehensive patient care, Jackson Health System advances medical excellence through specialized services ranging from emergency medicine to complex transplant procedures across the Florida region.

Leadership Roles at Jackson Health System

  • Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center - Sandra Severe
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations - Esther Caravia-Abolila
  • Chief Financial Officer - Julie Dircks
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Mark Knight
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Jorge Alvarez
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Craig Goldfarb
  • Senior VP & Chief Information Officer - Michael Garcia
  • Chief Medical Officer - O'Neil Pyke
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Andrew Ta
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Shivali Malhotra
  • Sandra Severe - Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center

    Sandra Severe, the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center at Jackson Health System, directs all clinical and administrative operations for the facility. Severe manages the delivery of emergency care, orthopedic surgery, and rehabilitation services to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By coordinating with department heads, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation and maintains rigorous safety standards. This leadership role involves driving North American healthcare initiatives through the implementation of advanced medical protocols. Sandra Severe monitors performance metrics to improve operational efficiency and patient satisfaction scores. Through consistent oversight of medical staff and facility infrastructure, the Chief Executive Officer sustains the reputation of the medical center as a premier provider of specialized health services within the broader network.

    Esther Caravia-Abolila - Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations

    Esther Caravia-Abolila, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations at Jackson Health System, manages executive communications and external policy advocacy. Caravia-Abolila directs the engagement with regulatory bodies and government agencies to influence healthcare policy and secure funding for public health initiatives. By facilitating alignment between the Chief Executive Officer and the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures the execution of corporate strategy. This role involves representing the organization in regional and national forums to advocate for the expansion of behavioral health and transplant services. Esther Caravia-Abolila monitors legislative developments to anticipate impacts on hospital operations. Through strategic relationship management, the Vice President, Government Relations strengthens the position of the health system within the broader regulatory environment.

    Julie Dircks - Chief Financial Officer

    Julie Dircks, the Chief Financial Officer at Jackson Health System, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic strategy of the organization. Dircks oversees capital budgeting, revenue cycle management, and financial reporting to support the expansion of cardiovascular medicine and digestive health services. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost reduction and operational investment. This role requires close collaboration with the Board to ensure alignment between financial goals and clinical objectives. Julie Dircks drives fiscal accountability across all departments, securing the resources necessary for technological upgrades and facility maintenance. Through disciplined financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required to provide high-quality care to the community while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape.

    Mark Knight - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Knight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Jackson Health System, directs the overarching financial strategy and investment portfolio of the organization. Knight oversees long-term capital planning and risk management to ensure the sustainability of the health system. By evaluating the financial viability of new service lines, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the growth of specialized medical programs. This role involves leading financial audits and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across all fiscal operations. Mark Knight collaborates with the Board to define the economic trajectory of the organization and optimize revenue streams. Through the management of financial assets and debt structures, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary foundation for the continued delivery of high-quality healthcare services.
    Mark Knight

    Jorge Alvarez - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Jorge Alvarez, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Jackson Health System, directs internal scaling and facility infrastructure projects to enhance service delivery. Alvarez focuses on the logistical integration of radiology and pain management departments to streamline patient throughput. By implementing lean management principles, the Associate Chief Operating Officer improves the efficiency of daily hospital operations. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental workflows to ensure seamless transitions between emergency care and rehabilitation services. Jorge Alvarez monitors operational performance data to identify bottlenecks and execute process improvements. Through the management of support services and facility maintenance, the Associate Chief Operating Officer ensures that the clinical environment remains conducive to high-level patient care and staff productivity across the entire health system.

    Craig Goldfarb - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Craig Goldfarb, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Jackson Health System, manages supply chain logistics and procurement strategies for the entire network. Goldfarb oversees the acquisition of medical equipment and pharmaceutical supplies necessary for transplant and cardiovascular medicine. By negotiating vendor contracts and optimizing inventory levels, the Associate Chief Operating Officer reduces overhead costs while maintaining supply availability. This role involves collaborating with clinical leaders to ensure that specialized surgical teams possess the tools required for complex procedures. Craig Goldfarb drives initiatives to modernize procurement systems and improve the reliability of the supply chain. Through strategic oversight of material management, the Associate Chief Operating Officer supports the operational readiness of the health system and ensures that resources reach the point of care efficiently.

    Michael Garcia - Senior VP & Chief Information Officer

    Michael Garcia, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at Jackson Health System, architects the digital infrastructure and cybersecurity framework for the organization. Garcia oversees the implementation of electronic health records and data analytics platforms to support clinical decision-making. By driving the adoption of advanced information technology, the Chief Information Officer ensures the secure exchange of patient information across all departments. This leadership role involves managing the digital transformation of radiology and pharmacy services to improve diagnostic accuracy and medication safety. Michael Garcia coordinates with the executive team to align technology investments with long-term strategic goals. Through the continuous monitoring of network integrity and system performance, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient data while enabling the seamless integration of digital health solutions throughout the system.
    Michael Garcia

    O'Neil Pyke - Chief Medical Officer

    O'Neil Pyke, the Chief Medical Officer at Jackson Health System, directs clinical quality, patient safety, and medical staff governance. Pyke oversees the standardization of care protocols across all specialties, including cardiovascular medicine and orthopedic surgery. By monitoring clinical outcomes and peer review processes, the Chief Medical Officer ensures adherence to evidence-based practices. This leadership role involves mentoring medical staff and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in patient care. O'Neil Pyke collaborates with the executive team to integrate new medical technologies and research findings into daily practice. Through the oversight of clinical performance, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the highest standards of medical excellence and ensures that the health system meets the complex needs of the patient population served.
    O'Neil Pyke

    Andrew Ta - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Andrew Ta, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Jackson Health System, directs the clinical operations of emergency medicine and urgent care services. Ta focuses on optimizing patient flow and reducing wait times within the emergency department to improve overall system efficiency. By implementing triage protocols and coordinating with specialty departments, the Associate Chief Medical Officer ensures rapid access to critical care. This role involves managing physician scheduling and performance metrics to maintain high standards of service delivery. Andrew Ta collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to address clinical challenges and implement quality improvement initiatives. Through the oversight of emergency services, the Associate Chief Medical Officer supports the mission of the health system by providing timely and effective medical intervention to the community.

    Shivali Malhotra - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Shivali Malhotra, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Jackson Health System, directs the integration of behavioral health and chronic disease management programs. Malhotra oversees the development of multidisciplinary care teams to address the complex needs of patients requiring long-term rehabilitation and pain management. By analyzing patient data, the Associate Chief Medical Officer identifies gaps in care and implements targeted interventions to improve health outcomes. This role involves coordinating with community partners to ensure continuity of care for patients transitioning from hospital to home. Shivali Malhotra collaborates with the clinical leadership team to refine treatment pathways and enhance the patient experience. Through the management of specialized clinical programs, the Associate Chief Medical Officer drives the commitment of the health system to holistic and patient-centered care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jackson Health System Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jackson Health System?
    Jackson Health System is led by Sandra Severe (Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center), along with executives such as Esther Caravia-Abolila (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations) and Julie Dircks (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Jackson Health System’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jackson Health System includes leaders such as Sandra Severe (Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center), Esther Caravia-Abolila (Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations), Julie Dircks (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jackson Health System have?
    Jackson Health System has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jackson Health System’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jackson Health System includes roles such as Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Jackson North Medical Center, Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Health System and Vice President, Government Relations, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Associate Chief Operating Officer.