Mission Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mission Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, medical affairs, and patient care.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Mission Health provides comprehensive adult care, pediatric services, advanced cancer treatments, and vital mental and behavioral healthcare, solidifying its impact across North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at Mission Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Chad Patrick
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicole Castleberry
  • Chief Operating Officer - Michael Barbera
  • Senior VP, Patient Care Services & Regional President, Member Hospitals - Kathleen Guyette
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Dale Fell
  • Chief of Staff - Forrest Harrison
  • Vice Chief of Staff - David Pope
  • Chief Medical Officer - Peter DeYoung
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Zachary McCluskey
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Ansley Miller
  • Chad Patrick - Chief Executive Officer

    Chad Patrick, the Chief Executive Officer at Mission Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the health system. Overseeing all major departments, Patrick ensures alignment with the organization's mission to provide comprehensive adult care, pediatric services, cancer treatments, and mental and behavioral healthcare. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in healthcare delivery and maintaining the system's strong presence in Asheville, North Carolina. By driving forward-thinking initiatives, Chad Patrick guides Mission Health's expansion and commitment to patient well-being across its service areas. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to financial health, clinical excellence, and community engagement, ensuring sustainable growth and high-quality patient outcomes.
    Chad Patrick

    Nicole Castleberry - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicole Castleberry, the Chief Financial Officer at Mission Health, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the health system. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and revenue cycle management, Castleberry ensures the financial stability required to support extensive services like adult care, pediatric treatments, and cancer therapies. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation across all facilities and departments, driving efficiency in financial processes. By maintaining robust financial controls and exploring new revenue streams, Nicole Castleberry directly supports Mission Health's capacity to deliver advanced mental and behavioral healthcare. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership is essential for long-term sustainability and the continued expansion of high-quality patient care throughout North Carolina.
    Nicole Castleberry

    Michael Barbera - Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Barbera, the Chief Operating Officer at Mission Health, oversees the day-to-day operational functions across the health system. Barbera directs the efficient delivery of services including adult care, pediatric services, and specialized cancer treatments, ensuring seamless patient experiences. This leadership position involves optimizing workflows, managing facility operations, and implementing best practices in healthcare delivery. By enhancing operational efficiency, Michael Barbera supports the expansion of mental and behavioral healthcare services and maintains the high standards expected of Mission Health. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational excellence is fundamental to the system's ability to serve the Asheville region and beyond, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to meet patient needs.

    Kathleen Guyette - Senior VP, Patient Care Services & Regional President, Member Hospitals

    Kathleen Guyette, the Senior VP, Patient Care Services & Regional President, Member Hospitals at Mission Health, leads critical patient care operations and oversees regional hospital performance. Guyette directs nursing and allied health professionals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care across all services, including adult care, pediatric services, and cancer treatments. This executive role involves strategic leadership for member hospitals, focusing on operational efficiency and clinical excellence. By championing patient-centered care models, Kathleen Guyette enhances the delivery of mental and behavioral healthcare and strengthens Mission Health's regional presence. The Senior VP's comprehensive oversight is vital for maintaining consistent standards of care and driving growth throughout the health system's network.

    Dale Fell - Chief Marketing Officer

    Dale Fell, the Chief Marketing Officer at Mission Health, leads all marketing, communications, and brand strategy initiatives for the health system. Fell is responsible for promoting the comprehensive range of services, including adult care, pediatric services, cancer treatments, and mental and behavioral healthcare, to the communities served. This role involves developing and executing strategic campaigns to enhance patient engagement and community awareness. By articulating the value and impact of Mission Health's offerings, Dale Fell strengthens the organization's market position and patient trust. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial in communicating the health system's commitment to exceptional care and its vital role in the North Carolina healthcare landscape.
    Dale Fell

    Forrest Harrison - Chief of Staff

    Forrest Harrison, the Chief of Staff at Mission Health, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the executive leadership team. Harrison facilitates communication and alignment across various departments, ensuring the smooth execution of initiatives related to adult care, pediatric services, cancer treatments, and mental and behavioral healthcare. This position involves managing key projects, advising leadership on critical decisions, and enhancing organizational efficiency. By streamlining executive operations and fostering collaboration, Forrest Harrison directly contributes to Mission Health's ability to deliver high-quality patient care. The Chief of Staff's role is integral to maintaining the strategic focus and operational effectiveness of the entire health system.

    David Pope - Vice Chief of Staff

    David Pope, the Vice Chief of Staff at Mission Health, supports the Chief of Staff in coordinating executive functions and ensuring operational synergy. Pope assists in managing critical projects and facilitating communication between clinical leadership and administrative teams, particularly concerning services like adult care, pediatric services, and cancer treatments. This role involves contributing to strategic planning and operational improvements across the health system. By providing dedicated support to the executive office, David Pope enhances Mission Health's capacity to deliver comprehensive mental and behavioral healthcare and maintain its commitment to patient well-being. The Vice Chief of Staff's involvement is key to the effective functioning of the leadership team and the overall success of the organization.

    Peter DeYoung - Chief Medical Officer

    Peter DeYoung, the Chief Medical Officer at Mission Health, leads clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of medical care across the health system. DeYoung oversees all physician activities, clinical quality initiatives, and patient safety programs, directly impacting the delivery of adult care, pediatric services, and cancer treatments. This vital role involves collaborating with hospital leadership to advance medical excellence and patient outcomes. By championing evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Peter DeYoung ensures Mission Health provides exceptional mental and behavioral healthcare. The Chief Medical Officer's expertise is fundamental to maintaining clinical integrity and advancing the health system's reputation for outstanding medical services.

    Zachary McCluskey - Chief Administrative Officer

    Zachary McCluskey, the Chief Administrative Officer at Mission Health, directs administrative functions and supports the operational framework of the health system. McCluskey oversees key administrative departments, ensuring efficient management of resources and processes that underpin services such as adult care, pediatric services, and cancer treatments. This leadership position involves optimizing administrative workflows and implementing policies that enhance organizational effectiveness. By ensuring robust administrative support, Zachary McCluskey contributes to the seamless delivery of mental and behavioral healthcare and supports the overall mission of Mission Health. The Chief Administrative Officer's focus on administrative excellence is crucial for the system's operational integrity and patient-centered approach.

    Ansley Miller - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Ansley Miller, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Mission Health, collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to advance clinical excellence and patient care initiatives. Miller supports the oversight of medical staff, clinical quality improvement, and patient safety protocols, directly influencing the delivery of adult care, pediatric services, and cancer treatments. This role involves assisting in the implementation of strategies that enhance medical practice and patient outcomes across the system. By contributing to clinical leadership, Ansley Miller helps ensure Mission Health provides high-quality mental and behavioral healthcare. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's partnership is essential for driving clinical innovation and maintaining the health system's commitment to exceptional patient services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mission Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mission Health?
    Mission Health is led by Chad Patrick (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nicole Castleberry (Chief Financial Officer) and Michael Barbera (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Mission Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mission Health includes leaders such as Chad Patrick (Chief Executive Officer), Nicole Castleberry (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Barbera (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mission Health have?
    Mission Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mission Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mission Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior VP, Patient Care Services & Regional President, Member Hospitals, Chief Marketing Officer.