Shepherd Center Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Shepherd Center has 6 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, human resources, information systems, and medical strategy.

Committed to excellence in rehabilitation, Shepherd Center advances specialized medical treatment and research for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. This mission drives clinical innovation and improves long-term patient outcomes across the healthcare landscape.

Leadership Roles at Shepherd Center

  • Chief Financial Officer - Beth Boatwright
  • Chief Operating Officer - Shari McDowell
  • Chief Technology Officer - Ken Satcher
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Katy Conway
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Barry Fitts
  • Chief Medical Officer - Michael Yochelson
  • Beth Boatwright - Chief Financial Officer

    Beth Boatwright, the Chief Financial Officer at Shepherd Center, governs the fiscal health and strategic investment planning for the organization. Boatwright manages the capital allocation required to sustain advanced medical research and rehabilitation facilities. By overseeing revenue cycle management and budgetary compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term viability of the hospital's specialized programs. This leadership role involves analyzing financial trends to support expansion efforts and the acquisition of cutting-edge medical equipment. Beth Boatwright also partners with the executive team to optimize cost structures without compromising the quality of patient care. Through disciplined financial stewardship, Boatwright secures the resources necessary for treating complex neuromuscular conditions. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency in reporting, providing the Board with clear insights into the fiscal performance of the institution. Ultimately, Boatwright strengthens the financial foundation, enabling the hospital to continue its vital work in patient rehabilitation and recovery.

    Shari McDowell - Chief Operating Officer

    Shari McDowell, the Chief Operating Officer at Shepherd Center, manages the daily clinical and administrative workflows essential for high-quality rehabilitation. McDowell oversees the operational capacity of the hospital, ensuring that resources meet the needs of patients with complex neuromuscular conditions. By streamlining patient intake and discharge processes, the Chief Operating Officer maximizes facility throughput and service quality. This leadership role requires constant coordination with department heads to maintain rigorous safety standards and operational excellence. Shari McDowell also drives initiatives to improve resource allocation, directly impacting the hospital's ability to provide specialized care. Through meticulous oversight of facility operations, McDowell ensures that the organization remains a leader in spinal cord and brain injury treatment. The Chief Operating Officer consistently evaluates performance metrics to refine service delivery, ultimately supporting the mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care to every patient served by the institution.

    Ken Satcher - Chief Technology Officer

    Ken Satcher, the Chief Technology Officer at Shepherd Center, directs the digital infrastructure supporting complex rehabilitation services. Satcher architects scalable software solutions that integrate patient data across the hospital network, ensuring seamless access for clinical teams. By modernizing internal systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of medical research and treatment protocols. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging health technologies to maintain the facility's competitive edge in neuromuscular care. Ken Satcher also collaborates with the Board to align technical investments with long-term institutional goals. Through the implementation of advanced diagnostic tools, Satcher optimizes the delivery of care for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. Ultimately, the Chief Technology Officer secures the digital integrity of the organization, fostering a robust environment for medical breakthroughs and improved patient recovery trajectories within the broader healthcare ecosystem.

    Katy Conway - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Katy Conway, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Shepherd Center, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the healthcare facility. Conway architects programs that attract top-tier medical professionals specializing in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence and professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the hospital retains a highly skilled staff. This leadership role involves managing employee relations, compensation structures, and organizational development initiatives that align with the mission of the institution. Katy Conway also oversees training protocols to maintain high standards of patient care and safety. Through the implementation of effective human capital strategies, Conway supports the operational needs of the medical teams. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a vital role in shaping the workplace environment, ensuring that every staff member contributes to the successful recovery and rehabilitation of patients across the entire organization.
    Katy Conway

    Barry Fitts - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Barry Fitts, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Shepherd Center, manages the enterprise-wide data architecture and information security frameworks. Fitts oversees the implementation of electronic health records and secure communication systems that facilitate patient care coordination. By protecting sensitive medical data, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures compliance with healthcare regulations while enabling efficient information flow between clinical departments. This leadership role involves upgrading network infrastructure to support the high-demand requirements of a specialized rehabilitation hospital. Barry Fitts also leads the digital transformation strategy, integrating new analytical tools to track patient progress and research outcomes. Through the management of information systems, Fitts enhances the connectivity of the hospital's various medical units. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer consistently evaluates technological risks, implementing robust safeguards to maintain the integrity of the facility's data assets and supporting the overall mission of providing superior patient care.

    Michael Yochelson - Chief Medical Officer

    Michael Yochelson, the Chief Medical Officer at Shepherd Center, directs the clinical strategy and medical standards for the rehabilitation facility. Yochelson oversees the quality of care provided to patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and neuromuscular conditions. By establishing evidence-based treatment protocols, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the hospital maintains its reputation for excellence in medical rehabilitation. This leadership role involves supervising the medical staff and coordinating with research teams to integrate the latest clinical findings into daily practice. Michael Yochelson also leads initiatives to improve patient outcomes through multidisciplinary care approaches. Through the oversight of clinical operations, Yochelson ensures that the hospital meets the complex needs of its patient population. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with other executives to align medical services with the strategic goals of the organization, ultimately driving the success of the hospital's specialized treatment programs and patient recovery efforts.
    Michael Yochelson

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Shepherd Center Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Shepherd Center?
    Shepherd Center is led by Beth Boatwright (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Shari McDowell (Chief Operating Officer) and Ken Satcher (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Shepherd Center’s executive team?
    The executive team of Shepherd Center includes leaders such as Beth Boatwright (Chief Financial Officer), Shari McDowell (Chief Operating Officer), Ken Satcher (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Shepherd Center have?
    Shepherd Center has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Shepherd Center’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Shepherd Center includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, Chief Information Officer.