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 expansion of hospital networks, imaging centers, and hospice services to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By aligning clinical excellence with operational efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the financial health of the organization while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Matheis drives initiatives that integrate medical transport and air ambulance services into the broader care continuum. Through constant collaboration with the Board and senior leadership, Dennis Matheis fosters a culture of innovation and patient-centered care. This leadership role requires balancing immediate operational demands with long-term growth objectives. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the entire system, ensuring that every facility meets the rigorous standards required for modern, not-for-profit healthcare delivery across the diverse markets served.

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 communication across the leadership team. Lowder oversees the prioritization of initiatives for the President and Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical projects receive necessary attention. By coordinating between the Board, senior executives, and department heads, the Vice President Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer maintains organizational alignment. Jessica Lowder drives the execution of high-level corporate strategies, including the integration of new outpatient facilities and clinical programs. This role involves managing complex workflows and ensuring that the executive agenda reflects the mission of the health system. Through proactive problem-solving and administrative oversight, Lowder supports the efficiency of the entire C-suite. Ultimately, the Vice President Chief of Staff To President and Chief Executive Officer enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and patient care excellence.

Melinda Hancock, the Chief Financial Officer at Sentara Healthcare, manages the fiscal integrity and capital allocation strategies for the entire integrated system. Hancock oversees complex budgeting processes, revenue cycle management, and long-term financial planning to support the growth of hospitals and outpatient facilities. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources reach critical areas like home health and hospice services. Melinda Hancock collaborates with executive leadership to optimize investment in medical technology and infrastructure. This role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance, maintaining the fiscal health necessary for not-for-profit operations. Through strategic financial modeling, Hancock supports the expansion of clinical programs and the sustainability of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation that allows the system to deliver high-quality care while maintaining operational efficiency across all regional facilities and service lines.

Mandy Cherry, the Chief Financial Officer, Market, Northwest Hospitals Sentara Health at Sentara Healthcare, directs the financial performance of specific regional hospital assets. Cherry oversees revenue optimization, cost containment, and resource allocation within the Northwest market to ensure alignment with broader system goals. By monitoring the financial health of outpatient facilities and physical therapy centers, the Chief Financial Officer, Market, Northwest Hospitals Sentara Health identifies opportunities for operational improvement. Mandy Cherry coordinates with local clinical leadership to balance budgetary constraints with the demand for high-quality patient care. This role involves detailed analysis of regional market dynamics and the implementation of fiscal policies that support local growth. Through precise financial management, Cherry strengthens the competitive position of the Northwest hospital network. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Market, Northwest Hospitals Sentara Health ensures that regional operations remain profitable and sustainable, directly contributing to the overall mission of the organization.

Kathryn Markham, the Director, Office of Ambulatory President (Chief of Staff) at Sentara Healthcare, manages the operational strategy for the ambulatory care division. Markham oversees the coordination of outpatient facilities, imaging centers, and physical therapy services to ensure seamless patient access. By facilitating the agenda of the Ambulatory President, the Director, Office of Ambulatory President (Chief of Staff) ensures that strategic initiatives are executed across all non-hospital care settings. Kathryn Markham coordinates with clinical and administrative leaders to optimize the patient experience and improve operational efficiency. This role involves managing the flow of information and decision-making processes within the ambulatory division. Through proactive leadership and administrative support, Markham drives the growth of outpatient services. Ultimately, the Director, Office of Ambulatory President (Chief of Staff) ensures that the ambulatory network remains a vital and high-performing component of the integrated health system, providing accessible care to the community.

Edward Sandy, the President at Sentara Healthcare, directs the operational performance of specific business units within the integrated system. Sandy oversees the delivery of high-quality care across designated hospitals and outpatient facilities, ensuring that clinical standards remain consistent. By managing the day-to-day operations of these units, the President drives efficiency and improves patient outcomes. Edward Sandy coordinates with other executive leaders to align regional performance with the overall mission of the organization. This role involves monitoring key performance indicators and implementing strategies to enhance service delivery in areas like physical therapy and medical transport. Through effective leadership, Sandy fosters a culture of excellence and accountability within the assigned business units. Ultimately, the President ensures that these facilities operate at peak performance, contributing to the long-term success and community impact of the entire health system through dedicated operational oversight and strategic execution.

Karyn Pettett, the Chief of Staff To CISO. Director - Cyber Execution and Operations at Sentara Healthcare, directs the security posture and operational resilience of the digital infrastructure. Pettett oversees the implementation of cybersecurity protocols across hospitals, imaging centers, and administrative networks. By managing the execution of security programs, the Chief of Staff To CISO. Director - Cyber Execution and Operations ensures the protection of sensitive patient data and the continuity of critical medical services. Karyn Pettett coordinates with IT leadership to mitigate risks and respond to emerging digital threats. This role involves aligning technical operations with the broader security strategy of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of cyber initiatives, Pettett maintains the integrity of the health system's information assets. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To CISO. Director - Cyber Execution and Operations secures the digital environment, allowing the system to focus on delivering safe and reliable healthcare services to the community.

Tonya Palmer, the Senior Director, Clinical Strategic Programs and Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Sentara Healthcare, manages the intersection of clinical program development and brand strategy. Palmer oversees the rollout of new health initiatives, ensuring that marketing efforts accurately reflect the quality of care provided in hospitals and outpatient centers. By aligning clinical outcomes with public-facing messaging, the Senior Director, Clinical Strategic Programs and Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer drives patient engagement and market growth. Tonya Palmer coordinates cross-functional teams to launch programs that highlight the system's expertise in hospice and physical therapy. This role involves managing the strategic agenda for the marketing department while ensuring clinical integrity. Through effective communication and program management, Palmer strengthens the reputation of the organization. Ultimately, the Senior Director, Clinical Strategic Programs and Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand promise matches the reality of patient care.

Dennis Kramer, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Information Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the administrative and strategic functions of the information technology department. Kramer oversees the prioritization of digital transformation projects, including the integration of electronic health records across hospitals and clinics. By managing the workflow of the Chief Information Officer, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Information Officer ensures that IT initiatives support the broader clinical and operational goals of the system. Dennis Kramer coordinates with various departments to implement technology solutions that improve patient care and administrative efficiency. This role involves facilitating communication between technical teams and executive leadership to ensure alignment on digital strategy. Through effective project oversight, Kramer drives the modernization of the health system's infrastructure. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Information Officer enables the organization to leverage data and technology to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

Earl Barnes, the Chief Legal Officer at Sentara Healthcare, directs the legal strategy and risk management framework for the entire organization. Barnes oversees compliance with healthcare regulations, contract negotiations for hospitals and medical transport services, and the defense of the system's interests. By providing counsel on complex legal matters, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations, including hospice and home health, adhere to state and federal laws. Earl Barnes collaborates with the Board and executive leadership to navigate legal challenges and mitigate potential liabilities. This role involves managing a team of legal professionals to support the system's growth and operational stability. Through rigorous legal oversight, Barnes protects the reputation and assets of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer provides the necessary legal guidance to allow the system to innovate and expand while maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and regulatory compliance in the healthcare industry.