PeaceHealth Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

PeaceHealth has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative coordination, clinical operations, financial management, and information technology.

Committed to providing compassionate care across the Pacific Northwest, PeaceHealth delivers comprehensive medical services to communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Alaska while maintaining a mission-driven approach to health equity.

Leadership Roles at PeaceHealth

  • Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia) - Tracey Fernandez
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Karen Shepard
  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Swafford
  • Chief Financial Officer, Oregon Network - Gary Kemske
  • Chief Operating Officer - Nizar Makan
  • Chief Operating Officer, Oregon Region - James Roundtree
  • Chief of Staff - Peter Dillon
  • Vice President and Chief Information Officer Information Services and Technology - Columbia Network of Care - Donn McMillan
  • Vice President, System & Governance Chief of Staff - Steve Glenn
  • Chief Medical Officer - Tom Ewing
  • Tracey Fernandez - Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia)

    Tracey Fernandez, the Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia) at PeaceHealth, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the Columbia network of care. Overseeing financial reporting and capital investment strategies, Fernandez ensures that resources support the delivery of high-quality medical services within the region. This role involves analyzing revenue cycles and implementing cost-saving measures to maintain the financial sustainability of the not-for-profit system. By providing data-driven insights to the executive team, Tracey Fernandez supports informed decision-making regarding facility expansion and service line development. The Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia) monitors economic trends to mitigate risks and optimize the allocation of funds across the network. Through diligent financial oversight, Fernandez secures the necessary capital to invest in advanced medical equipment and infrastructure, ultimately strengthening the ability of the organization to serve the community effectively.

    Karen Shepard - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Karen Shepard, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at PeaceHealth, directs the overarching financial strategy and fiscal governance for the entire health system. Managing long-term financial planning and investment portfolios, Shepard ensures that the organization maintains the capital strength required to support its mission across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. This leadership role involves overseeing comprehensive audits, financial reporting, and the development of annual budgets that align with the strategic objectives of the not-for-profit network. By collaborating with the Board and other executive leaders, Karen Shepard drives initiatives that enhance operational profitability and long-term financial health. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer monitors market conditions to adjust fiscal policies as needed. Through rigorous financial management, Shepard ensures that the health system remains well-positioned to invest in patient care and community health programs.

    Matthew Swafford - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Swafford, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at PeaceHealth, leads the enterprise-wide financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing the financial health of the entire not-for-profit system, Swafford directs capital allocation and revenue management to ensure the organization meets its long-term growth objectives. This role involves coordinating with regional financial leaders to maintain consistency in reporting and fiscal discipline across Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. By architecting robust financial frameworks, Matthew Swafford supports the expansion of clinical services and the modernization of medical facilities. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer evaluates investment opportunities and manages the balance sheet to ensure the sustainability of the health system. Through strategic leadership, Swafford drives the financial performance necessary to uphold the mission of providing compassionate care to all patients within the network.
    Matthew Swafford

    Gary Kemske - Chief Financial Officer, Oregon Network

    Gary Kemske, the Chief Financial Officer, Oregon Network at PeaceHealth, oversees the financial planning and budgetary management for the Oregon region. Directing the financial operations of local hospitals and clinics, Kemske ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support clinical excellence and community health initiatives. This role involves managing revenue cycles, monitoring regional expenses, and providing financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. By maintaining fiscal accountability, Gary Kemske drives the financial stability of the Oregon network. The Chief Financial Officer, Oregon Network collaborates with regional leadership to identify cost-effective solutions and investment opportunities that enhance patient care. Through diligent oversight of the regional budget, Kemske ensures that the organization remains financially resilient while continuing to provide high-quality medical services to the communities throughout the state of Oregon.

    Nizar Makan - Chief Operating Officer

    Nizar Makan, the Chief Operating Officer at PeaceHealth, directs the daily clinical and administrative functions across the entire health system. Overseeing the delivery of care in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, Makan optimizes hospital workflows to improve patient access and service quality. This leadership position involves managing complex resource allocation and ensuring that all facilities adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. By aligning operational strategies with the mission of the not-for-profit organization, Nizar Makan drives sustainable growth and service excellence. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to integrate new medical technologies and improve patient throughput. Through the continuous evaluation of operational performance, Makan ensures that the health system remains responsive to the evolving needs of the communities served. This role remains central to maintaining the operational integrity of the entire network.

    James Roundtree - Chief Operating Officer, Oregon Region

    James Roundtree, the Chief Operating Officer, Oregon Region at PeaceHealth, manages the operational performance and clinical service delivery within the Oregon market. Overseeing hospital operations and outpatient services, Roundtree ensures that facilities meet quality standards and patient care expectations. This role involves optimizing staffing models and improving clinical workflows to enhance the overall patient experience. By aligning regional operations with the broader mission of the health system, James Roundtree drives efficiency and service growth across the Oregon network. The Chief Operating Officer, Oregon Region collaborates with local medical directors to implement best practices in patient safety and care coordination. Through the continuous monitoring of operational metrics, Roundtree identifies opportunities for improvement and ensures that the region remains a leader in community health. This leadership role remains vital to the success of the Oregon operations.

    Peter Dillon - Chief of Staff

    Peter Dillon, the Chief of Staff at PeaceHealth, coordinates executive workflows and aligns administrative priorities with the broader mission of the health system. Managing the daily operations of the executive office, Dillon facilitates communication between leadership teams to ensure organizational cohesion across the Washington, Oregon, and Alaska regions. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes and overseeing high-level projects that impact the delivery of care within the not-for-profit network. By fostering collaboration among department heads, Peter Dillon maintains operational efficiency and supports the strategic goals of the organization. The Chief of Staff monitors internal performance metrics to ensure that all administrative functions remain consistent with the values of the Catholic health system. Through rigorous oversight of executive initiatives, Dillon drives the successful implementation of system-wide policies that enhance patient outcomes and organizational stability.

    Donn McMillan - Vice President and Chief Information Officer Information Services and Technology - Columbia Network of Care

    Donn McMillan, the Vice President and Chief Information Officer Information Services and Technology - Columbia Network of Care at PeaceHealth, directs the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the Columbia network. Overseeing the implementation of electronic health records and cybersecurity protocols, McMillan ensures that clinical teams have access to secure and reliable data systems. This role involves managing the integration of new technologies to improve patient care coordination and operational efficiency. By architecting scalable IT solutions, Donn McMillan drives the digital transformation of the health system. The Vice President and Chief Information Officer Information Services and Technology - Columbia Network of Care collaborates with clinical and administrative leaders to align technology investments with the mission of the organization. Through the continuous improvement of information services, McMillan supports the delivery of high-quality care across the Columbia network.

    Steve Glenn - Vice President, System & Governance Chief of Staff

    Steve Glenn, the Vice President, System & Governance Chief of Staff at PeaceHealth, manages the governance framework and executive administrative functions for the entire health system. Overseeing board relations and system-wide policy development, Glenn ensures that the organization adheres to its mission and ethical standards. This role involves coordinating executive leadership activities and facilitating communication across the Washington, Oregon, and Alaska regions. By driving governance initiatives, Steve Glenn supports the long-term strategic direction of the not-for-profit network. The Vice President, System & Governance Chief of Staff monitors compliance and organizational performance to ensure alignment with the values of the Catholic health system. Through the effective management of governance processes, Glenn fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, ensuring that the leadership team remains focused on the core mission of providing compassionate care to the community.

    Tom Ewing - Chief Medical Officer

    Tom Ewing, the Chief Medical Officer at PeaceHealth, directs the clinical strategy and medical quality standards across the entire health system. Overseeing physician leadership and clinical practice guidelines, Ewing ensures that all medical services meet the highest standards of safety and patient care. This role involves collaborating with clinical teams to implement evidence-based practices and improve health outcomes throughout Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. By driving initiatives that enhance the quality of care, Tom Ewing supports the mission of the not-for-profit organization. The Chief Medical Officer monitors clinical performance metrics and addresses medical staff needs to ensure a high-performing care environment. Through the continuous evaluation of clinical processes, Ewing fosters innovation in medical service delivery. This leadership role remains essential to maintaining the reputation of the health system as a provider of compassionate and effective medical care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PeaceHealth Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PeaceHealth?
    PeaceHealth is led by Tracey Fernandez (Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia)), along with executives such as Karen Shepard (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Matthew Swafford (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of PeaceHealth’s executive team?
    The executive team of PeaceHealth includes leaders such as Tracey Fernandez (Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia)), Karen Shepard (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Matthew Swafford (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PeaceHealth have?
    PeaceHealth has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PeaceHealth’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PeaceHealth includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Network (Columbia), Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Oregon Network, Chief Operating Officer.