The Fertility Partners Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Fertility Partners has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, corporate development, medical standards, and legal compliance.

Focused on advancing reproductive medicine, The Fertility Partners delivers a collaborative network for IVF practitioners to achieve superior clinical outcomes and exceptional patient experiences across North America.

Leadership Roles at The Fertility Partners

  • Chief Executive Officer - Heather Stark
  • Chief Operating Officer - Meghan Van Zanden
  • Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff - Jack Stodgell
  • Chief Medical Officer - Gary Nakhuda
  • Chief Legal Officer - Stephanie Holdsworth
  • Heather Stark - Chief Executive Officer

    Heather Stark, the Chief Executive Officer at The Fertility Partners, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of fertility clinics. Stark architects the long-term growth trajectory, ensuring that all partner clinics maintain world-class standards in IVF and prenatal care. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Chief Executive Officer aligns medical-scientific goals with robust business performance across North American operations. Heather Stark manages high-level relationships with stakeholders and practitioners to solidify the company's position as the partner of choice for leading fertility experts. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to optimize patient experiences and clinical success rates. Through rigorous oversight of organizational health, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence, ensuring that every clinic within the network benefits from centralized support systems while maintaining individual clinical autonomy and excellence in reproductive health services.

    Meghan Van Zanden - Chief Operating Officer

    Meghan Van Zanden, the Chief Operating Officer at The Fertility Partners, manages the daily operational infrastructure supporting the network of fertility clinics. Van Zanden executes complex back-office integration strategies, ensuring that partner clinics receive seamless administrative and business support. Overseeing the efficiency of clinical workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in patient service delivery across the North American footprint. Meghan Van Zanden coordinates with regional leads to standardize operational protocols while respecting the unique needs of individual IVF practices. This role requires constant monitoring of performance metrics to ensure that operational excellence remains a core pillar of the business model. By streamlining resource allocation and administrative processes, the Chief Operating Officer enables practitioners to focus entirely on medical outcomes. Van Zanden maintains a sharp focus on scaling the network effectively, ensuring that every new clinic addition integrates smoothly into the broader organizational framework.

    Jack Stodgell - Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff

    Jack Stodgell, the Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff at The Fertility Partners, identifies and evaluates new opportunities for network expansion across North America. Stodgell architects strategic partnerships with leading IVF practitioners, ensuring that the company attracts top-tier medical talent. As the Chief of Staff, the Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff facilitates communication between the executive team and the broader organization to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Jack Stodgell analyzes market data to refine the business model, focusing on sustainable growth and competitive positioning in the fertility sector. This role involves managing complex negotiations and integration projects that expand the company's reach. By bridging the gap between high-level strategy and daily execution, the Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff supports the long-term mission of creating a synergistic environment for reproductive medicine, ultimately driving the company toward its goal of becoming the premier partner for fertility clinics.

    Gary Nakhuda - Chief Medical Officer

    Gary Nakhuda, the Chief Medical Officer at The Fertility Partners, defines the clinical standards and medical-scientific protocols for the entire network. Nakhuda ensures that all partner clinics adhere to the highest benchmarks of IVF and prenatal care, directly impacting patient success rates. Overseeing the medical quality assurance programs, the Chief Medical Officer drives continuous improvement in clinical outcomes across North American facilities. Gary Nakhuda collaborates with practitioners to integrate advanced reproductive technologies and evidence-based practices into daily operations. This leadership role involves mentoring clinical staff and fostering a culture of scientific excellence that distinguishes the network from competitors. By maintaining rigorous oversight of medical compliance and innovation, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the company remains at the forefront of reproductive medicine. Nakhuda provides the necessary medical guidance to support the business mission, ensuring that clinical integrity remains the foundation of every patient interaction and treatment plan.
    Stephanie Holdsworth, the Chief Legal Officer at The Fertility Partners, manages all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for the growing network of clinics. Holdsworth architects the legal framework for clinic acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring that all business activities align with regional and national healthcare regulations. Overseeing risk management, the Chief Legal Officer drives the development of policies that protect both the company and the practitioners within the network. Stephanie Holdsworth provides critical guidance on governance and contractual obligations, facilitating smooth operations across the North American market. This role involves navigating the complex legal landscape of reproductive medicine to ensure that all clinical practices meet strict ethical and legal standards. By mitigating potential liabilities and ensuring regulatory adherence, the Chief Legal Officer supports the company's expansion efforts. Holdsworth maintains a focus on legal excellence, providing the necessary structure to allow the business to scale while upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.
    Stephanie Holdsworth

    Explore Leadership Teams in Holding Companies & Conglomerates

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Fertility Partners Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Fertility Partners?
    The Fertility Partners is led by Heather Stark (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Meghan Van Zanden (Chief Operating Officer) and Jack Stodgell (Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of The Fertility Partners’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Fertility Partners includes leaders such as Heather Stark (Chief Executive Officer), Meghan Van Zanden (Chief Operating Officer), Jack Stodgell (Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Fertility Partners have?
    The Fertility Partners has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Fertility Partners’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Fertility Partners includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Development Director, Strategy & Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Legal Officer.