Sharp Executive and Leadership Team

Christopher Howard, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sharp, directs the overarching strategic vision for this not-for-profit health care system. Overseeing the integration of four acute-care hospitals and three specialty hospitals, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across the entire California network. This leadership role involves aligning clinical goals with long-term financial sustainability to support the mission of providing high-quality patient care. By fostering collaboration among the various medical groups and the health plan, Howard drives system-wide improvements in service delivery. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on expanding access to care while managing the complexities of a large-scale regional health organization. Through consistent engagement with the Board and executive leadership, Howard secures the resources necessary for continued growth and innovation within the competitive health care landscape.

William Littlejohn, the Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION) at Sharp, directs the philanthropic and capital development strategies for the health care system. Overseeing the ENVISION initiative, the Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION) ensures the organization secures the necessary funding to support advanced medical technology and facility expansion. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with donors and community partners to drive long-term investment in the regional health network. By aligning fundraising goals with the strategic priorities of the hospitals and medical groups, Littlejohn facilitates the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the development of new care programs. The Chief Executive Officer & Senior VP (ENVISION) works closely with the executive team to ensure that philanthropic efforts directly enhance patient outcomes. Through this focused approach, Littlejohn strengthens the financial foundation required to sustain the mission of providing exceptional health care services.

Melissa Major, the Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers at Sharp, directs the daily operations and clinical performance of the medical center network. Overseeing the delivery of outpatient services and primary care, the Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers ensures that patient care standards remain high across all locations. This leadership role involves managing the medical staff and administrative teams to optimize patient access and satisfaction. By streamlining clinical processes, Major improves the efficiency of the medical centers and supports the broader goals of the health care system. The Chief Executive Officer, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers collaborates with other executive leaders to ensure that the medical centers are fully integrated with the acute-care hospitals and specialty facilities. Through this operational focus, Major drives the success of the medical group and contributes to the overall health outcomes of the community.

Paul Durr, the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group at Sharp, directs the strategic growth and network management of the community medical group. Overseeing the coordination between independent physicians and the broader health system, the Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group ensures that patients receive consistent, high-quality care across the regional network. This leadership role involves managing provider relations and optimizing the performance of the medical group to meet the needs of the diverse patient population. By fostering strong partnerships with local practitioners, Durr expands the reach of the health care services provided. The Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Sharp Community Medical Group works to align the group's objectives with the system's mission of providing accessible, not-for-profit health care. Through this focus, Durr strengthens the community-based care model and enhances the overall effectiveness of the organization.

James Nuckols, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sharp, architects the brand strategy and public engagement initiatives for the regional health care group. Overseeing communication channels and patient outreach programs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures the organization maintains a strong presence within the California market. This leadership role involves developing campaigns that highlight the unique value of the affiliated medical groups and the health plan. By analyzing market trends and patient feedback, Nuckols optimizes the visibility of the four acute-care hospitals and specialty facilities. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to translate complex health services into accessible information for the community. Through strategic positioning, Nuckols strengthens the reputation of the system as a leader in patient-centered care. This work directly supports the growth of the patient base and enhances the overall impact of the health care services provided.

Donald Courville, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Sharp, architects the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting the regional health care network. Overseeing the implementation of electronic health records and cybersecurity protocols, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures the secure and efficient flow of patient data across all hospitals and medical groups. This leadership role involves integrating advanced diagnostic tools and telehealth platforms to improve clinical workflows. By modernizing the technological framework, Courville enables the organization to provide seamless care coordination throughout California. The Vice President & Chief Technology Officer collaborates with clinical and administrative leaders to identify opportunities for digital transformation that enhance patient safety and operational efficiency. Through the management of complex IT systems, Courville supports the delivery of high-quality health care services and ensures the organization remains at the forefront of medical technology innovation.

Bryn Salt, the Chief Medical Officer at Sharp, directs the clinical quality and patient safety initiatives across the entire health care system. Overseeing the medical staff and clinical standards, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all hospitals and medical groups adhere to evidence-based practices. This leadership role involves monitoring clinical outcomes and implementing improvements to enhance the quality of care provided to patients. By collaborating with department heads and medical directors, Salt drives the adoption of best practices and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. The Chief Medical Officer plays a central role in shaping the clinical strategy and fostering a culture of excellence among the medical staff. Through the oversight of clinical performance, Salt supports the organization's mission to provide safe, effective, and compassionate health care services to the community. This work is essential for maintaining the high standards expected of the regional health care group.

Neelima Chu, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Sharp, directs the implementation of clinical protocols and supports the management of medical staff performance. Overseeing specific quality improvement projects, the Associate Chief Medical Officer ensures that clinical teams maintain high standards of care across the acute-care and specialty hospitals. This leadership role involves assisting the Chief Medical Officer in the development of system-wide medical policies and the evaluation of clinical outcomes. By facilitating communication between the medical staff and administrative leadership, Chu helps to streamline care delivery and improve patient experiences. The Associate Chief Medical Officer focuses on identifying areas for clinical advancement and supporting the professional development of the medical team. Through this collaborative approach, Chu contributes to the overall success of the health care system and ensures that the organization continues to provide high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the region.

Fadi Nicolas, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health at Sharp, directs the clinical strategy and service delivery for the behavioral health programs within the system. Overseeing the psychiatric and mental health services, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health ensures that patients receive comprehensive and integrated care. This leadership role involves managing the clinical teams and developing programs that address the complex needs of the patient population. By focusing on evidence-based treatments and patient outcomes, Nicolas improves the quality of behavioral health services provided across the hospitals and specialty facilities. The Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health collaborates with other clinical leaders to ensure that mental health care is seamlessly integrated into the broader health care system. Through this specialized focus, Nicolas drives the development of effective behavioral health initiatives and supports the organization's commitment to providing holistic care to the community.

Fahd Benjalil, the Chief Financial & Operating Officer at Sharp, directs the financial planning and operational management of the health care system. Overseeing the budget, revenue cycle, and daily facility operations, the Chief Financial & Operating Officer ensures the organization maintains financial health while delivering high-quality care. This leadership role involves analyzing financial performance and optimizing operational workflows to increase efficiency across the hospitals and medical groups. By managing the allocation of resources, Benjalil supports the strategic goals of the system and ensures the sustainability of the not-for-profit mission. The Chief Financial & Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue growth. Through the oversight of both financial and operational functions, Benjalil provides the stability and structure necessary for the organization to continue serving the community effectively and expanding its reach within the regional health care market.