Salem Health Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Salem Health has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, finance, legal, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Salem Health delivers comprehensive medical services across its service area, emphasizing compassionate, patient-centered care and continuous improvement in clinical outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Salem Health

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Norman Gruber
  • Chief Financial Officer - James Parr
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem) - Reid Sund
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cheryl Wolfe
  • Chief Information Officer - Cort Garrison
  • Chief Technology Officer - David Ward
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jonathan Bauer
  • Chief Medical Officer - Matthew Boles
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Michelle Rasmussen
  • Norman Gruber - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Norman Gruber, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Salem Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the not-for-profit health system. Gruber's leadership ensures the organization effectively fulfills its mission to improve community health and well-being through comprehensive medical services. This executive role involves overseeing all major functional areas, including clinical operations, financial management, technological advancement, and legal compliance, ensuring alignment with the organization's core values of quality, safety, and patient-centered care. Norman Gruber drives initiatives focused on enhancing patient access, optimizing care delivery models, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across Salem Health's network of hospitals and outpatient clinics. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to stakeholder relations, community engagement, and long-term organizational sustainability, positioning Salem Health as a trusted provider of healthcare services.

    James Parr - Chief Financial Officer

    James Parr, the Chief Financial Officer at Salem Health, oversees the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the not-for-profit health system. Parr directs all financial operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and capital allocation, ensuring the organization's sustainability and ability to deliver comprehensive medical services. This executive function is vital for supporting Salem Health's mission to improve community health and well-being by maintaining financial stability and optimizing resource utilization. James Parr develops financial strategies that support growth, manage risk, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with other leaders to align financial resources with clinical priorities, driving efficiency and effectiveness across all departments and facilities within the Salem Health network.
    James Parr

    Reid Sund - Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem)

    Reid Sund, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem) at Salem Health, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal direction specifically for the health medical division. Sund's responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, financial analysis, and resource management to ensure the effective delivery of medical services and support the organization's mission. This executive role focuses on optimizing financial performance within the health medical segment, ensuring alignment with Salem Health's broader goals of quality patient care and community well-being. Reid Sund drives financial initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, managing costs, and supporting the strategic growth of the health medical services. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem) works closely with the Chief Financial Officer and other leaders to maintain financial integrity and support the organization's commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare.

    Cheryl Wolfe - Chief Operating Officer

    Cheryl Wolfe, the Chief Operating Officer at Salem Health, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient delivery of comprehensive medical services across the health system. Wolfe's leadership focuses on optimizing workflows, enhancing patient care processes, and managing the operational aspects of Salem Health's hospitals and outpatient clinics. This executive role involves overseeing resource allocation, quality improvement initiatives, and the implementation of best practices to uphold the organization's commitment to patient-centered care and safety. Cheryl Wolfe drives operational excellence, ensuring seamless integration between different service lines and facilities to provide continuous, high-quality care. The Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal part in achieving the organization's mission of improving community health and well-being by ensuring that all operational facets support clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction.
    Cheryl Wolfe

    Cort Garrison - Chief Information Officer

    Cort Garrison, the Chief Information Officer at Salem Health, architects and executes the organization's comprehensive information technology strategy. Garrison oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of all IT infrastructure, systems, and digital solutions that support clinical care, administrative functions, and patient engagement. This critical role ensures the secure and efficient management of electronic health records, data analytics, cybersecurity measures, and telehealth platforms, directly impacting the quality and accessibility of care. Cort Garrison drives innovation in health informatics, aiming to leverage technology to enhance patient outcomes, streamline operational workflows, and support the organization's mission of improving community health. The Chief Information Officer collaborates closely with other executive leaders to align technology investments with strategic priorities, ensuring Salem Health remains at the forefront of healthcare technology adoption.

    David Ward - Chief Technology Officer

    David Ward, the Chief Technology Officer at Salem Health, spearheads the strategic direction and implementation of technological advancements across the health system. Ward's responsibilities encompass evaluating emerging technologies, developing robust IT architectures, and ensuring the scalability and reliability of the organization's technology infrastructure. This executive function is crucial for supporting Salem Health's commitment to delivering comprehensive medical services and improving patient well-being through innovative solutions. David Ward drives the integration of new technologies that enhance clinical decision-making, optimize operational efficiency, and improve the patient experience. The Chief Technology Officer works to foster a culture of technological excellence, ensuring that Salem Health's systems are secure, compliant, and capable of supporting the evolving needs of healthcare delivery and community health initiatives.
    Jonathan Bauer, the Chief Legal Officer at Salem Health, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the health system. Bauer ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing healthcare operations, protecting the organization from legal risks and liabilities. This executive role is critical in navigating the complex legal landscape of the healthcare industry, supporting Salem Health's mission to deliver comprehensive and safe medical services. Jonathan Bauer advises leadership on matters of corporate governance, healthcare law, patient rights, and risk management, ensuring that all operations align with legal standards and ethical practices. The Chief Legal Officer plays a key part in safeguarding the organization's interests while upholding its commitment to patient-centered care and community well-being.
    Jonathan Bauer

    Matthew Boles - Chief Medical Officer

    Matthew Boles, the Chief Medical Officer at Salem Health, leads clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of medical care across the organization. Boles oversees physician relations, clinical quality initiatives, and patient safety programs, directly contributing to the delivery of comprehensive medical services. This executive role is fundamental to upholding Salem Health's mission of improving community health and well-being through evidence-based, patient-centered practices. Matthew Boles champions clinical excellence, driving improvements in patient outcomes, care coordination, and the adoption of innovative medical technologies. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with administrative and operational leaders to align medical practices with the organization's strategic goals, ensuring that clinical services are both effective and compassionate.

    Michelle Rasmussen - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Michelle Rasmussen, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Salem Health, supports the Chief Medical Officer in advancing clinical excellence and patient care initiatives. Rasmussen assists in overseeing physician engagement, clinical quality improvement projects, and the implementation of patient safety protocols throughout the health system. This executive function is integral to ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality medical services and reinforcing Salem Health's commitment to community health and well-being. Michelle Rasmussen contributes to the development and execution of strategies that enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency within clinical departments. The Associate Chief Medical Officer works collaboratively with medical staff and leadership to foster a culture of continuous learning and adherence to best practices in healthcare delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Salem Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Salem Health?
    Salem Health is led by Norman Gruber (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Parr (Chief Financial Officer) and Reid Sund (Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem)).
    Who is part of Salem Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Salem Health includes leaders such as Norman Gruber (President & Chief Executive Officer), James Parr (Chief Financial Officer), Reid Sund (Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Salem Health have?
    Salem Health has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Salem Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Salem Health includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Health Medical (Salem), Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer.