Leadership Overview
Shepherd Center has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, financial management, technology infrastructure, information systems, human resources, medical oversight, and clinical strategy.
Dedicated to specialized rehabilitation, Shepherd Center advances medical treatment and research for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries while maintaining a commitment to neuromuscular recovery.
Dedicated to specialized rehabilitation, Shepherd Center advances medical treatment and research for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries while maintaining a commitment to neuromuscular recovery.
Leadership Roles at Shepherd Center
Beth Boatwright - Chief Financial Officer
Beth Boatwright, the Chief Financial Officer at Shepherd Center, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. Overseeing budget development and capital investment, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the hospital maintains the resources required for advanced research and patient rehabilitation. Boatwright directs financial reporting and audit compliance to support the not-for-profit mission. By analyzing revenue cycles and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the financial performance of the facility. This role involves working closely with the board to align fiscal strategies with the clinical goals of the hospital. Beth Boatwright executes financial policies that sustain the delivery of specialized care for neuromuscular conditions. Through careful management of assets and funding, the Chief Financial Officer provides the economic foundation necessary for the hospital to continue providing world-class medical treatment and rehabilitation services.
Shari McDowell - Chief Operating Officer
Shari McDowell, the Chief Operating Officer at Shepherd Center, directs all internal hospital operations and clinical workflows. Overseeing daily facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical treatment and rehabilitation services meet the highest standards for patients with spinal cord and brain injuries. McDowell manages cross-departmental efficiency to support the broader mission of providing specialized neuromuscular care. By optimizing resource allocation across the Atlanta campus, the Chief Operating Officer maintains operational excellence in a complex healthcare environment. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with clinical teams to refine patient care protocols and improve recovery outcomes. Shari McDowell drives the strategic implementation of hospital-wide initiatives, ensuring that the facility remains a leader in rehabilitation medicine. Through rigorous oversight of daily logistics, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for long-term growth and patient success.
Ken Satcher - Chief Technology Officer
Ken Satcher, the Chief Technology Officer at Shepherd Center, architects the digital infrastructure and technological systems supporting clinical research and patient care. Overseeing the integration of advanced medical software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that rehabilitation data remains secure and accessible for medical staff. Satcher drives the adoption of innovative tools that enhance the treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries. By managing the technical roadmap, the Chief Technology Officer aligns digital capabilities with the evolving needs of the hospital. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical departments to implement specialized diagnostic technologies. Ken Satcher executes strategies that modernize the facility, ensuring that technological advancements directly improve patient recovery outcomes. Through the continuous development of robust digital platforms, the Chief Technology Officer maintains the technological edge required for the hospital to remain a premier destination for neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Barry Fitts - Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Barry Fitts, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Shepherd Center, manages the enterprise information systems and data governance frameworks. Overseeing the integrity of electronic health records, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical data flows seamlessly across all departments. Fitts directs the implementation of information security protocols to protect sensitive patient information. By optimizing data analytics, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports evidence-based research initiatives for spinal cord and brain injury treatment. This role involves coordinating with administrative leadership to streamline information workflows and improve operational transparency. Barry Fitts executes strategies that leverage data to enhance the quality of rehabilitation services. Through the management of complex information networks, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer provides the essential data infrastructure that allows the hospital to deliver high-quality care and maintain its reputation as a leader in medical rehabilitation.
Brian Barnette - Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Brian Barnette, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Shepherd Center, leads the strategic deployment of communication networks and connectivity solutions. Overseeing the hardware and software ecosystem, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical staff maintain reliable access to critical patient information. Barnette directs the modernization of internal communication systems to facilitate better coordination between rehabilitation teams. By managing the technical support teams, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that all hospital systems remain operational and efficient. This role involves evaluating new technologies that can improve the patient experience during long-term recovery. Brian Barnette executes initiatives that expand the digital reach of the hospital, supporting broader market impact. Through the maintenance of high-performance network environments, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enables the seamless delivery of specialized medical services across the entire facility.
Katy Conway - Chief Human Resources Officer
Katy Conway, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Shepherd Center, directs talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture. Overseeing the recruitment of specialized medical professionals, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the hospital maintains a workforce capable of delivering expert rehabilitation care. Conway manages performance management systems and employee engagement programs to support staff retention. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer aligns the workforce with the mission of treating spinal cord and brain injuries. This role involves collaborating with leadership to develop training programs that keep staff updated on the latest neuromuscular treatment techniques. Katy Conway executes human capital strategies that drive organizational growth and operational efficiency. Through the management of comprehensive benefits and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the hospital attracts and retains the talent necessary to provide world-class patient care.

Michael Yochelson - Chief Medical Officer
Michael Yochelson, the Chief Medical Officer at Shepherd Center, leads the clinical strategy and medical standards for the entire hospital. Overseeing the quality of patient care, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all rehabilitation programs for spinal cord and brain injuries adhere to the highest medical protocols. Yochelson directs the medical staff and coordinates research efforts to advance neuromuscular treatment. By evaluating clinical outcomes, the Chief Medical Officer drives continuous improvement in patient recovery services. This role involves working with the executive team to integrate new medical research into daily practice. Michael Yochelson executes clinical policies that define the hospital's reputation for excellence in rehabilitation medicine. Through the oversight of medical departments and clinical research, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the facility remains at the forefront of medical innovation, providing patients with the most effective treatment options available in the industry.
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