Patterson Dental Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Patterson Dental has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, commercial excellence, and regional operations.

Focused on enhancing practice efficiency, Patterson Dental delivers high-quality supplies and services to dental professionals across the United States to improve patient care outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Patterson Dental

  • Chief Executive Officer - Robert Kemp
  • Region President - Elliott Carson
  • Region President - Irfan Buddha
  • Region President - Stephen Bartley
  • Region President - Cara Cherry
  • Western Region President - Paul Guggenheim
  • Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence - Collyn Bradley
  • Robert Kemp - Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Kemp, the Chief Executive Officer at Patterson Dental, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By prioritizing practice efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer aligns internal resources with the evolving needs of dental professionals nationwide. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chain logistics and fostering partnerships with global manufacturers to ensure product availability. Robert Kemp maintains rigorous oversight of financial performance and operational health, ensuring the company remains a market leader in the dental supply sector. Through constant evaluation of market trends, the Chief Executive Officer identifies growth opportunities that expand the reach of the business. By championing innovation in service delivery, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable value for stakeholders while maintaining the high standards of quality expected by the dental community.

    Elliott Carson - Region President

    Elliott Carson, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs all sales and service operations within the assigned territory to ensure consistent delivery of dental supplies. By managing local teams, the Region President fosters strong relationships with dental practitioners to understand specific practice requirements. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of regional growth strategies that align with the broader corporate mission of enhancing practice efficiency. Elliott Carson monitors regional market dynamics to adjust service offerings and maintain a competitive edge in the local landscape. By coordinating with corporate headquarters, the Region President ensures that national initiatives translate into effective local solutions. This position requires constant engagement with field staff to maintain high standards of customer support and product reliability. Through proactive management of regional resources, the Region President drives revenue growth and strengthens the market presence of the company within the designated territory.

    Irfan Buddha - Region President

    Irfan Buddha, the Region President at Patterson Dental, manages the distribution of dental products and services across the assigned operational area. By focusing on supply chain reliability, the Region President ensures that dental professionals receive essential equipment and materials without delay. This leadership role involves developing regional sales strategies that address the unique challenges faced by local dental practices. Irfan Buddha oversees the performance of field teams, driving accountability and excellence in customer service interactions. By analyzing regional demand patterns, the Region President optimizes inventory levels to support practice efficiency. This position requires close coordination with other regional leaders to share best practices and maintain a unified corporate approach. Through strategic oversight of regional operations, the Region President supports the overall growth objectives of the firm. By prioritizing client satisfaction, the Region President builds long-term loyalty among dental professionals within the assigned market.

    Stephen Bartley - Region President

    Stephen Bartley, the Region President at Patterson Dental, oversees the execution of sales and service programs within the assigned geographic region. By leading regional teams, the Region President ensures that dental practices have access to the latest technology and supplies necessary for high-quality patient care. This leadership role involves identifying local market opportunities and tailoring service delivery to meet the specific needs of dental professionals. Stephen Bartley monitors regional operational metrics to drive efficiency and improve service outcomes. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Region President empowers field staff to provide superior support to clients. This position requires constant communication with the executive team to align regional activities with the overarching corporate strategy. Through effective management of regional assets, the Region President contributes to the expansion of the company footprint. By maintaining a focus on quality, the Region President ensures consistent service delivery across the region.

    Cara Cherry - Region President

    Cara Cherry, the Region President at Patterson Dental, directs the strategic operations and customer engagement initiatives within the assigned territory. By focusing on the integration of dental supplies and services, the Region President helps practices streamline workflows and improve overall efficiency. This leadership role involves managing regional sales teams and ensuring that all client interactions reflect the high standards of the company. Cara Cherry analyzes regional performance data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions. By collaborating with other departments, the Region President ensures that regional needs are communicated effectively to the corporate office. This position requires a deep understanding of the dental industry to provide relevant solutions to practitioners. Through proactive leadership, the Region President drives regional growth and enhances the reputation of the firm. By focusing on client success, the Region President secures a strong market position within the assigned territory.

    Paul Guggenheim - Western Region President

    Paul Guggenheim, the Western Region President at Patterson Dental, oversees all commercial activities and service operations across the western market. By directing regional sales strategies, the Western Region President ensures that dental professionals receive the necessary support to maintain efficient practice operations. This leadership role involves managing large-scale distribution efforts and coordinating with regional teams to meet performance targets. Paul Guggenheim monitors market trends in the western territory to adapt service offerings and maintain a competitive advantage. By fostering strong relationships with key dental accounts, the Western Region President drives revenue growth and expands the market presence of the company. This position requires constant oversight of regional logistics to ensure timely delivery of products. Through strategic management of western operations, the Western Region President supports the broader corporate mission of providing quality dental solutions. By prioritizing operational excellence, the Western Region President ensures consistent service quality throughout the region.

    Collyn Bradley - Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence

    Collyn Bradley, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence at Patterson Dental, architects the strategic frameworks that optimize sales performance and operational workflows. By analyzing market data, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence refines the go-to-market approach to maximize efficiency for dental practices. This role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to execute cross-functional initiatives that streamline internal processes. Collyn Bradley monitors key performance indicators to ensure alignment with corporate objectives, driving improvements in service delivery across the entire organization. By implementing advanced commercial strategies, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence enhances the value proposition offered to dental professionals. This leadership position focuses on removing operational bottlenecks and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff & Vice President, Commercial Excellence secures the operational foundation necessary for long-term success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Patterson Dental Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Patterson Dental?
    Patterson Dental is led by Robert Kemp (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elliott Carson (Region President) and Irfan Buddha (Region President).
    Who is part of Patterson Dental’s executive team?
    The executive team of Patterson Dental includes leaders such as Robert Kemp (Chief Executive Officer), Elliott Carson (Region President), Irfan Buddha (Region President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Patterson Dental have?
    Patterson Dental has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Patterson Dental’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Patterson Dental includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Region President, Region President, Region President, Region President.