North American Partners in Anesthesia Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

North American Partners in Anesthesia has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, clinical governance, legal compliance, medical leadership, and clinical services.

Committed to advancing perioperative excellence, North American Partners in Anesthesia delivers evidence-based solutions to healthcare facilities across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast. This organization prioritizes patient safety and operational efficiency through innovative, clinician-led management.

Leadership Roles at North American Partners in Anesthesia

  • Chief Executive Officer - Rafael Cartagena
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Steven Kraus
  • President, Clinical Services - Catherine Cullen
  • Vice Chief of Staff - Scott Parkhill
  • Chief Legal Officer - JoAnna Nicholson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Napa - Leo Penzi
  • Rafael Cartagena - Chief Executive Officer

    Rafael Cartagena, the Chief Executive Officer at North American Partners in Anesthesia, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Cartagena oversees the expansion of perioperative management services across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast regions. By aligning clinical outcomes with administrative goals, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that healthcare facilities maintain high satisfaction ratings and profitability. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to implement state-of-the-art technologies that improve patient care. Rafael Cartagena drives the company mission by fostering a culture of excellence among clinicians and staff. Through rigorous oversight of organizational growth, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term stability of the firm. Cartagena maintains a focus on evidence-based practices to ensure that every facility receives the highest standard of anesthesia support. This executive leadership remains vital to the continued success of the company in a competitive healthcare landscape.

    Steven Kraus - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Kraus, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at North American Partners in Anesthesia, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Kraus monitors revenue cycles across more than 200 healthcare facilities to ensure operational efficiency and financial sustainability. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer architects robust financial models that support the company's expansion into new regional markets. By analyzing performance metrics, Steven Kraus provides the data-driven insights necessary for the Board to make informed investment decisions regarding new technologies and clinical innovations. This role involves balancing the costs of high-quality anesthesia services with the need for profitability in a complex regulatory environment. Kraus maintains strict oversight of budgetary compliance and resource distribution. Through precise financial planning, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the market position of the firm while supporting the delivery of unsurpassed clinical excellence.

    Catherine Cullen - President, Clinical Services

    Catherine Cullen, the President, Clinical Services at North American Partners in Anesthesia, manages the delivery of anesthesia and perioperative support across the company's extensive network of healthcare facilities. Cullen oversees the operational performance of clinical teams, ensuring that service levels remain consistent with the organization's mission of excellence. The President, Clinical Services architects strategies to optimize staffing models and improve the efficiency of surgical departments in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. By focusing on customer service training and operational workflows, Catherine Cullen enhances the experience for surgeons, hospital administrators, and patients alike. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to align clinical service delivery with the overall business strategy. Cullen maintains a focus on scaling operations to meet the needs of new partners while upholding rigorous quality standards. Through effective management of clinical services, the President, Clinical Services drives the growth and operational success of the firm.
    Catherine Cullen

    Scott Parkhill - Vice Chief of Staff

    Scott Parkhill, the Vice Chief of Staff at North American Partners in Anesthesia, coordinates the administrative and clinical workflows that define the organization's perioperative management. Parkhill facilitates communication between medical teams and hospital administrators to ensure seamless service delivery across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Southeast. The Vice Chief of Staff implements standardized protocols that enhance patient safety and streamline surgical scheduling. By overseeing the integration of new clinical staff, Scott Parkhill maintains the high standards of care expected by surgeons and hospital partners. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of operational performance to identify areas for improvement in efficiency and customer service. Parkhill supports the broader mission by ensuring that clinical teams possess the necessary resources to perform at peak levels. Through effective management of staff relations and clinical operations, the Vice Chief of Staff directly contributes to the positive outcomes achieved by the organization.
    JoAnna Nicholson, the Chief Legal Officer at North American Partners in Anesthesia, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for the firm. Nicholson oversees the legal framework governing operations in over 200 healthcare facilities, ensuring adherence to state and federal healthcare laws. The Chief Legal Officer architects policies that protect the organization from liability while facilitating growth in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. By providing counsel to the executive team, JoAnna Nicholson ensures that all business initiatives align with ethical standards and industry regulations. This role involves managing complex contracts with hospital partners and navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare legislation. Nicholson maintains a focus on proactive risk management to safeguard the reputation and assets of the company. Through diligent legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer supports the organization's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality anesthesia services without disruption or regulatory interference.
    JoAnna Nicholson

    Leo Penzi - Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Napa

    Leo Penzi, the Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Napa at North American Partners in Anesthesia, directs the clinical quality and medical standards across the entire organization. Penzi oversees the implementation of evidence-based anesthesia practices that serve more than one million patients annually. The Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Napa architects groundbreaking leadership development programs to ensure that clinicians remain at the forefront of medical innovation. By collaborating with surgeons and hospital administrators, Leo Penzi ensures that perioperative services meet the highest benchmarks for safety and patient satisfaction. This role involves monitoring clinical outcomes and integrating state-of-the-art technologies into daily practice. Penzi drives the company's commitment to research and continuous improvement in the Northeast and Midwest markets. Through expert medical guidance, the Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Napa maintains the organization's status as a leader in single-specialty anesthesia and perioperative management.
    Leo Penzi

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding North American Partners in Anesthesia Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads North American Partners in Anesthesia?
    North American Partners in Anesthesia is led by Rafael Cartagena (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Steven Kraus (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Catherine Cullen (President, Clinical Services).
    Who is part of North American Partners in Anesthesia’s executive team?
    The executive team of North American Partners in Anesthesia includes leaders such as Rafael Cartagena (Chief Executive Officer), Steven Kraus (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Catherine Cullen (President, Clinical Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North American Partners in Anesthesia have?
    North American Partners in Anesthesia has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in North American Partners in Anesthesia’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of North American Partners in Anesthesia includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Clinical Services, Vice Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Officer.