Shepherd Center Executive and Leadership Team

Beth Boatwright, the Chief Financial Officer at Shepherd Center, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the not-for-profit healthcare institution. Boatwright oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and investment management, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the hospital's specialized services. This critical role involves securing funding, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining financial compliance to support the extensive medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation programs offered. Beth Boatwright's financial acumen is essential for enabling Shepherd Center's continued impact in treating spinal cord injury, brain injury, and other neuromuscular conditions. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures fiscal responsibility across all departments.

Shari McDowell, the Chief Operating Officer at Shepherd Center, directs all operational facets of the not-for-profit healthcare facility. Overseeing daily hospital functions, McDowell ensures seamless delivery of specialized medical treatment, research, and rehabilitation services. This leadership role involves optimizing patient care pathways for individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions. By managing resource allocation and operational efficiency, Shari McDowell directly supports the hospital's mission to improve patient outcomes and advance therapeutic understanding. The Chief Operating Officer's purview extends to enhancing the patient experience and maintaining the highest standards of clinical operations across the Atlanta, Georgia campus.

Ken Satcher, the Chief Technology Officer at Shepherd Center, architects the organization's technological vision and infrastructure. Satcher drives the integration of advanced technologies to support the hospital's core mission of rehabilitation and research for complex neurological conditions. This involves evaluating and implementing innovative solutions that enhance patient care, streamline administrative processes, and foster groundbreaking research into spinal cord injury, brain injury, and chronic pain management. Ken Satcher's strategic direction ensures that Shepherd Center remains at the forefront of technological advancements in healthcare. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include overseeing all technology-related initiatives, ensuring data security, and promoting digital transformation across the facility.

Brian Barnette, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Shepherd Center, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology systems. Barnette oversees the management of all IT infrastructure, ensuring robust data security, system reliability, and efficient information flow to support patient care and research initiatives. This role is crucial for integrating technology solutions that enhance the hospital's capabilities in treating spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. Brian Barnette's leadership ensures that the information systems effectively support the operational needs of the medical and research teams. The Vice President & Chief Information Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to advance the hospital's mission and improve patient outcomes.

Barry Fitts, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Shepherd Center, directs the comprehensive information technology strategy and operations. Fitts is responsible for the oversight of all IT infrastructure, data management, and cybersecurity measures, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of critical patient and research information. This position is vital for supporting the hospital's specialized rehabilitation and treatment programs for individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, and other complex neurological conditions. Barry Fitts's expertise ensures that technology solutions align with the organization's goals for advancing medical research and patient care. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer's role emphasizes innovation and operational excellence in information systems.

Katy Conway, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Shepherd Center, leads the strategic management of human capital to support the organization's mission. Conway oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and fostering a positive workplace culture. This role is essential for attracting and retaining the highly skilled professionals required for specialized rehabilitation and research in areas such as spinal cord injury, brain injury, and chronic pain. Katy Conway's leadership ensures that Shepherd Center has the dedicated workforce necessary to deliver exceptional patient care and drive medical advancements. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus is on cultivating an environment that supports employee well-being and organizational success.

Michael Yochelson, the Chief Medical Officer at Shepherd Center, provides critical medical leadership and strategic direction for the hospital's clinical operations. Yochelson oversees the quality of patient care, medical staff development, and the advancement of research initiatives focused on neurological conditions. This position is paramount in ensuring that Shepherd Center delivers state-of-the-art treatment and rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain. Michael Yochelson's medical expertise guides the implementation of best practices and innovative therapies. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include upholding the highest standards of medical excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in patient outcomes.