Trillium Health Resources Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Trillium Health Resources has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, human resources, clinical oversight, and medical policy.

Committed to enhancing community wellness, Trillium Health Resources delivers specialized care management for individuals facing behavioral health challenges, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries across North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at Trillium Health Resources

  • Chief Executive Officer - Leza Wainwright
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cindy Ehlers
  • Chief of Staff - J. Alston
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa Owens
  • Chief Medical Officer - Michael Smith
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Isa Cheren
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Arthur Flores
  • Leza Wainwright - Chief Executive Officer

    Leza Wainwright, the Chief Executive Officer at Trillium Health Resources, directs the overarching strategic vision for specialty care management across North Carolina. Wainwright architects long-term organizational goals to support Medicaid members and individuals with complex behavioral health needs. By aligning clinical outcomes with operational efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality crisis intervention and preventive health screenings. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health while expanding access to essential support services. Leza Wainwright monitors regional market trends to adapt service models for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and community impact. Ultimately, Wainwright secures the stability of the entire care network, ensuring that every program remains focused on improving the well-being of the populations served by the organization.

    Cindy Ehlers - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Ehlers, the Chief Operating Officer at Trillium Health Resources, manages the daily execution of specialty care programs and administrative workflows. Ehlers optimizes internal processes to ensure seamless delivery of behavioral health services and traumatic brain injury support. By streamlining operational logistics, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of care management teams throughout the North Carolina service area. This role requires constant coordination with department heads to maintain compliance with state health standards and Medicaid requirements. Cindy Ehlers evaluates performance metrics to identify opportunities for service improvement and resource allocation. Through the implementation of robust operational frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality care. Ehlers maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every internal system functions effectively to meet the diverse needs of individuals requiring specialized health support and community-based resources.

    J. Alston - Chief of Staff

    J. Alston, the Chief of Staff at Trillium Health Resources, coordinates executive communications and facilitates cross-departmental alignment on critical health initiatives. Alston manages the flow of information between the leadership team and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging regarding behavioral health and disability services. By organizing high-level projects, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on strategic priorities and community health outcomes. This role involves managing complex schedules and preparing briefings for the Board to support informed decision-making. J. Alston monitors the progress of key organizational goals, ensuring that every department remains synchronized with the mission of Trillium Health Resources. Through proactive problem-solving and administrative oversight, the Chief of Staff drives organizational cohesion. Alston maintains a clear focus on operational transparency, ensuring that the executive office functions as a unified force in addressing the needs of Medicaid members and vulnerable populations.

    Melissa Owens - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa Owens, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Trillium Health Resources, designs talent acquisition and workforce development strategies to support the delivery of specialized care. Owens architects programs that attract and retain skilled professionals dedicated to behavioral health and disability support. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the necessary expertise to manage complex cases involving traumatic brain injuries and mental health challenges. This role involves overseeing employee relations, benefits administration, and professional training initiatives across the North Carolina region. Melissa Owens aligns human capital strategies with the broader organizational mission to improve community health outcomes. Through the implementation of performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and operational productivity. Owens maintains a focus on building a resilient workforce, ensuring that the organization remains fully equipped to provide high-quality, compassionate care to all members.

    Michael Smith - Chief Medical Officer

    Michael Smith, the Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, defines the clinical standards and medical policies governing specialty care management. Smith oversees the integration of evidence-based practices into programs for individuals with serious behavioral health issues and developmental disabilities. By providing clinical leadership, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all health screenings and crisis interventions meet rigorous quality benchmarks. This role involves collaborating with medical providers and community partners to enhance the effectiveness of care delivery across North Carolina. Michael Smith evaluates clinical data to identify trends and improve health outcomes for Medicaid members. Through the development of comprehensive medical strategies, the Chief Medical Officer drives the organization toward superior patient care standards. Smith maintains a focus on clinical innovation, ensuring that the medical team remains at the forefront of treating complex conditions while supporting the overall well-being of the community.

    Isa Cheren - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Isa Cheren, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, supports the implementation of clinical protocols for behavioral health and substance use programs. Cheren manages specific medical initiatives focused on improving access to care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By assisting the Chief Medical Officer, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that clinical teams adhere to established safety and quality standards during crisis interventions. This role involves reviewing patient care plans and providing guidance to clinical staff on complex medical cases. Isa Cheren monitors the effectiveness of preventive health screenings to ensure alignment with state health objectives. Through the coordination of medical resources, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer drives improvements in service delivery and patient outcomes. Cheren maintains a focus on clinical excellence, ensuring that the organization provides consistent, high-quality support to all members requiring specialized behavioral health and developmental disability services.

    Arthur Flores - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Arthur Flores, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, oversees the clinical management of traumatic brain injury programs and specialized support services. Flores architects medical workflows that prioritize patient safety and effective recovery outcomes for those with complex neurological needs. By working closely with the Chief Medical Officer, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that clinical practices remain compliant with evolving healthcare regulations in North Carolina. This role involves analyzing clinical performance data to refine treatment strategies and enhance the quality of care provided to Medicaid members. Arthur Flores leads initiatives to integrate behavioral health support with broader medical services, ensuring a holistic approach to patient well-being. Through the management of clinical staff and medical resources, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer drives operational efficiency within the medical department. Flores maintains a focus on patient-centered care, ensuring that every clinical intervention supports the long-term health of the community.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitals & Physicians Clinics

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Trillium Health Resources Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Trillium Health Resources?
    Trillium Health Resources is led by Leza Wainwright (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cindy Ehlers (Chief Operating Officer) and J. Alston (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Trillium Health Resources’s executive team?
    The executive team of Trillium Health Resources includes leaders such as Leza Wainwright (Chief Executive Officer), Cindy Ehlers (Chief Operating Officer), J. Alston (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Trillium Health Resources have?
    Trillium Health Resources has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Trillium Health Resources’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Trillium Health Resources includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Medical Officer.