Sentara Healthcare Executive and Leadership Team

Dennis Matheis, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the overarching strategic vision for this integrated health system. Matheis oversees the alignment of hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality care. By managing the complex interplay between clinical operations and administrative efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth and sustainability. Matheis coordinates with the Board to implement initiatives that expand access to medical transport and hospice services across the network. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships that strengthen the market position of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide performance, Dennis Matheis ensures that the mission of providing accessible, patient-centered care remains the primary focus. Matheis maintains a commitment to operational excellence, guiding the entire enterprise toward improved health outcomes and financial stability within the competitive healthcare landscape.

Jessica Lowder, the Vice President Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer at Sentara Healthcare, manages the executive office operations and facilitates strategic decision-making for the CEO. Lowder oversees the coordination of high-level projects and ensures that the leadership team remains aligned with the organizational mission. By serving as a primary liaison between the CEO and other departments, the Vice President Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer streamlines communication and accelerates the execution of corporate initiatives. Jessica Lowder monitors the progress of key strategic goals, providing the CEO with the necessary insights to guide the integrated health system. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that administrative processes support the overall efficiency of the organization. Through meticulous planning and oversight, Lowder enables the CEO to focus on long-term vision and growth. Jessica Lowder drives organizational effectiveness by ensuring that leadership priorities receive the necessary attention and resources.

Kathy Tonsgard, the Chief Financial Officer at Sentara Healthcare, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire integrated system. Tonsgard oversees financial planning, revenue cycle management, and budgetary compliance across all hospitals and outpatient facilities. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains the resources necessary to support advanced medical services and infrastructure investments. Kathy Tonsgard collaborates with executive leadership to optimize financial performance while balancing the needs of diverse service lines, including home health and hospice agencies. This role requires precise management of assets to sustain the not-for-profit mission. Through strategic financial modeling, Tonsgard secures the economic foundation required for future expansion and technological upgrades. The Chief Financial Officer provides the critical data-driven insights that allow the organization to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining a robust balance sheet for long-term community impact.

Stewart Nelson, the Blue Ridge Region Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs financial operations and regional strategy within the Blue Ridge service area. Nelson oversees the budgetary health of local hospitals and outpatient clinics, ensuring that regional resources align with the broader organizational mission. By monitoring performance metrics and operational efficiency, the Blue Ridge Region Vice President & Chief Financial Officer optimizes the delivery of care in this specific geographic market. Stewart Nelson coordinates with clinical leadership to manage costs while maintaining high standards for patient services. This role involves identifying opportunities for growth and streamlining administrative processes to enhance regional productivity. Through diligent fiscal oversight, Nelson supports the expansion of specialized medical services and ensures the financial viability of local facilities. Stewart Nelson remains focused on achieving sustainable growth and operational excellence, directly contributing to the overall success of the integrated health system.

Page Gupton, the Chief of Staff To the President of Sentara Health Plans at Sentara Healthcare, facilitates strategic communication and operational alignment within the health plans division. Gupton oversees the execution of key initiatives and manages the flow of information between the President and various internal departments. By coordinating cross-functional projects, the Chief of Staff To the President of Sentara Health Plans ensures that organizational goals remain on track and that leadership decisions translate into actionable outcomes. Page Gupton supports the development of insurance products and member services that complement the broader healthcare delivery network. This role involves managing complex schedules, preparing executive briefings, and fostering collaboration across the administrative team. Through proactive problem-solving and organizational oversight, Gupton enhances the efficiency of the health plans division. Page Gupton drives the implementation of strategic priorities, ensuring that the division effectively serves the needs of members while supporting the overall mission of the organization.

Kathryn Markham, the Director, Office of Ambulatory President (Chief of Staff) at Sentara Healthcare, directs the administrative functions and strategic planning for the ambulatory care division. Markham oversees the coordination of outpatient services, physical therapy centers, and imaging facilities to ensure operational consistency. By managing the daily activities of the Office of the Ambulatory President, the Director, Office of Ambulatory President (Chief of Staff) facilitates the implementation of policies that improve patient access and care quality. Kathryn Markham collaborates with regional leaders to streamline workflows and enhance the efficiency of outpatient operations. This role involves preparing executive reports, managing project timelines, and ensuring that ambulatory initiatives align with the broader organizational strategy. Through proactive management, Markham supports the expansion of outpatient services and the integration of new care models. Kathryn Markham drives the success of the ambulatory division by ensuring that leadership has the support and information required to deliver exceptional patient care.

Thomas Guirkin, the Interim Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center at Sentara Healthcare, directs brand strategy and community engagement for the Williamsburg facility. Guirkin oversees marketing campaigns, public relations, and patient outreach programs designed to increase awareness of local medical services. By analyzing patient demographics and market competition, the Interim Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center ensures that the facility effectively communicates its value proposition to the community. Thomas Guirkin collaborates with clinical leadership to promote specific service lines, including imaging and outpatient care. This role involves managing digital presence and community partnerships to drive patient volume and satisfaction. Through targeted communication strategies, Guirkin strengthens the reputation of the medical center. Thomas Guirkin executes initiatives that align local marketing efforts with the broader organizational brand, ensuring consistent messaging and a strong market presence for the regional medical center.

Jose Lopez, the Chief Medical Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the clinical quality and patient safety standards across the entire integrated system. Lopez oversees medical staff governance, clinical protocols, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in hospitals and outpatient facilities. By monitoring clinical outcomes and quality metrics, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization maintains the highest standards of care. Jose Lopez collaborates with department heads and nursing leadership to foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement. This role involves managing medical staff credentialing and addressing complex clinical challenges to optimize patient health. Through strategic oversight of clinical operations, Lopez supports the integration of advanced medical technologies and specialized care services. Jose Lopez drives the clinical mission of the organization, ensuring that all medical practices align with the goal of providing safe, effective, and compassionate care to every patient within the network.

Earl Barnes, the Chief Legal Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk management functions for the organization. Barnes oversees the legal team in addressing complex healthcare regulations, contract negotiations, and corporate governance matters. By providing counsel on legal risks associated with hospital operations, medical transport, and hospice services, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization operates within the bounds of the law. Earl Barnes collaborates with executive leadership to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and protect the interests of the system. This role involves managing litigation, overseeing compliance programs, and advising on strategic partnerships. Through rigorous legal oversight, Barnes mitigates risk and supports the ethical conduct of the organization. Earl Barnes drives the legal framework that allows the system to innovate and expand while maintaining compliance with all state and federal requirements, ultimately safeguarding the reputation and assets of the entire enterprise.

Aubrey Layne, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the internal operations, human resources, and administrative infrastructure of the organization. Layne oversees the systems and processes that support the daily functioning of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and corporate offices. By managing organizational development and administrative efficiency, the Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the workforce and operational resources align with the strategic goals of the system. Aubrey Layne collaborates with other C-suite leaders to optimize internal workflows and enhance the overall employee experience. This role involves overseeing large-scale administrative projects and ensuring that the organization maintains a robust operational foundation. Through strategic management of administrative functions, Layne supports the delivery of high-quality care and the long-term sustainability of the organization. Aubrey Layne drives operational excellence by fostering a culture of efficiency and accountability across all administrative departments within the integrated health system.