Sharp Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sharp has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, medical group operations, technology, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Sharp is dedicated to providing comprehensive, integrated health services across Southern California, fostering a culture of innovation and compassionate care to enhance community health outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Sharp

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Howard
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group - Paul Durr
  • Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers - Melissa Major
  • Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION) - William Littlejohn
  • Chief Marketing Officer - James Nuckols
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Donald Courville
  • Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health - Fadi Nicolas
  • Chief Financial & Operating Officer - Fahd Benjalil
  • M. D. - Mary DuQuette
  • M. D. - Neelima Chu
  • Christopher Howard - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Howard, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sharp, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the not-for-profit regional health care group. Overseeing Sharp's four acute-care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, three affiliated medical groups, and a health plan, Howard ensures integrated patient care delivery across Southern California. This leadership role involves driving innovation in healthcare services and maintaining the organization's commitment to community health. By aligning departmental objectives with the overarching mission, Christopher Howard guarantees the delivery of high-quality, compassionate medical services. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and guiding the organization through evolving healthcare landscapes, ensuring financial stability and operational excellence across all Sharp facilities.
    Christopher Howard

    Paul Durr - Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group

    Paul Durr, the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group at Sharp, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of Sharp's affiliated medical groups. Overseeing the delivery of primary and specialty care services, Durr ensures seamless integration with Sharp's hospital network and health plan. This leadership position involves optimizing patient access to care, enhancing physician collaboration, and driving clinical excellence across the medical group network. By focusing on patient-centered care models, Paul Durr strengthens the physician-patient relationship and improves health outcomes for the communities served. The Chief Executive Officer of Sharp Community Medical Group is instrumental in expanding the reach and capabilities of outpatient services, ensuring high standards of care are consistently met.
    Paul Durr

    Melissa Major - Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers

    Melissa Major, the Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers at Sharp, leads the strategic operations and clinical delivery for one of Sharp's key medical group networks. Overseeing a large team of physicians and staff, Major ensures the provision of high-quality, patient-centered medical services across multiple locations. This executive role involves driving operational efficiency, enhancing patient access to care, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the medical centers. By focusing on integrated care models and physician collaboration, Melissa Major strengthens the patient experience and optimizes health outcomes. The Chief Executive Officer of Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers is pivotal in advancing the group's mission to provide exceptional healthcare and maintain its reputation for excellence in the San Diego region.
    Melissa Major

    William Littlejohn - Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION)

    William Littlejohn, the Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION) at Sharp, directs the strategic vision and operational oversight for ENVISION, a specialized service within Sharp HealthCare. Overseeing the comprehensive management and delivery of services provided by ENVISION, Littlejohn ensures alignment with Sharp's broader mission of providing integrated health care. This leadership position focuses on enhancing the quality of care, optimizing patient outcomes, and driving innovation within the specialized services offered. By fostering strong relationships with clinical teams and stakeholders, William Littlejohn ensures the effective execution of ENVISION's strategic objectives. The Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP is responsible for the financial health and operational efficiency of the division, contributing significantly to Sharp's overall service portfolio.
    William Littlejohn

    James Nuckols - Chief Marketing Officer

    James Nuckols, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sharp, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance Sharp's brand presence and patient engagement across Southern California. Overseeing all marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives, Nuckols drives initiatives that highlight Sharp's integrated health care services, including its hospitals, medical groups, and health plan. This role involves translating the organization's mission into compelling campaigns that resonate with diverse patient populations. By analyzing market trends and patient needs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that Sharp's value proposition is clearly communicated. James Nuckols leads efforts to expand patient acquisition and retention through innovative digital and traditional marketing channels, reinforcing Sharp's position as a leading regional health care provider.
    James Nuckols

    Donald Courville - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Donald Courville, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Sharp, directs the organization's technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. Overseeing all aspects of information technology, Courville ensures robust, secure, and scalable infrastructure to support Sharp's extensive network of hospitals, medical groups, and health plan operations. This critical role involves implementing innovative technological solutions that enhance patient care, streamline administrative processes, and improve data analytics capabilities. By championing advancements in health informatics and digital health platforms, Donald Courville drives operational efficiency and patient experience improvements. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes cybersecurity, electronic health records management, and the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain Sharp's competitive edge in healthcare delivery.
    Donald Courville

    Fadi Nicolas - Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health

    Fadi Nicolas, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health at Sharp, leads the clinical strategy and operational oversight for all behavioral health services within the Sharp HealthCare system. Overseeing a dedicated team of mental health professionals, Nicolas ensures the delivery of comprehensive, integrated, and compassionate behavioral health care across Southern California. This critical role involves advancing evidence-based treatment modalities, enhancing patient access to mental health services, and fostering collaboration between behavioral health and other medical specialties. By championing mental wellness initiatives and innovative care models, Fadi Nicolas improves patient outcomes and reduces the stigma associated with mental health conditions. The Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health is instrumental in expanding the reach and effectiveness of Sharp's mental health offerings.

    Fahd Benjalil - Chief Financial & Operating Officer

    Fahd Benjalil, the Chief Financial & Operating Officer at Sharp, oversees the financial health and operational efficiency of the entire health care system. Directing all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and revenue cycle management, Benjalil ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth across Sharp's hospitals, medical groups, and health plan. This executive role involves optimizing operational processes to enhance service delivery and cost-effectiveness throughout the organization. By implementing robust financial controls and strategic operational improvements, Fahd Benjalil supports Sharp's mission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare. The Chief Financial & Operating Officer plays a crucial part in resource allocation, capital investment decisions, and ensuring the long-term financial viability of Sharp HealthCare.

    Mary DuQuette - M. D.

    Mary DuQuette, the M. D. at Sharp, contributes clinical expertise and leadership to patient care initiatives across the health system. As a medical doctor, DuQuette is involved in direct patient treatment, diagnostic evaluation, and the implementation of evidence-based medical practices. This role emphasizes a commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients within Sharp's network of hospitals and medical groups. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, Mary DuQuette ensures coordinated care plans that address the complex health needs of the community. The physician's focus includes upholding the highest standards of medical practice and contributing to the overall clinical excellence that defines Sharp HealthCare's patient-centered approach.

    Neelima Chu - M. D.

    Neelima Chu, the M. D. at Sharp, provides essential clinical leadership and direct patient care within the Sharp HealthCare system. As a medical doctor, Chu is dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare services, focusing on accurate diagnoses and effective treatment strategies for patients. This position involves working closely with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated patient management. By adhering to the highest medical standards and best practices, Neelima Chu contributes to the overall quality of care provided by Sharp. The physician's role is vital in upholding the organization's commitment to patient well-being and advancing clinical excellence across its facilities.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sharp Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sharp?
    Sharp is led by Christopher Howard (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Durr (Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group) and Melissa Major (Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers).
    Who is part of Sharp’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sharp includes leaders such as Christopher Howard (President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul Durr (Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group), Melissa Major (Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sharp have?
    Sharp has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sharp’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sharp includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group, Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers, Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION), Chief Marketing Officer.