Trillium Health Resources Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Trillium Health Resources has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and medical affairs.

Dedicated to enhancing community health and well-being, Trillium Health Resources provides critical behavioral health services, support for intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury care, serving North Carolina's most vulnerable populations.

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 - Burt Johnson
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Arthur Flores
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Isa Cheren
  • Leza Wainwright - Chief Executive Officer

    Leza Wainwright, the Chief Executive Officer at Trillium Health Resources, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational framework. Wainwright guides the company's mission to serve individuals with serious behavioral health issues, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries across North Carolina. This leadership involves ensuring comprehensive service delivery, including crisis intervention and tailored care management, for Medicaid members and those facing mental health and substance use challenges. Wainwright's strategic vision drives the expansion of preventive health screenings and community support programs. The Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in fostering partnerships and resource allocation to improve overall community health outcomes. By championing innovative approaches, Leza Wainwright ensures Trillium Health Resources remains at the forefront of specialty care management, directly impacting the well-being of thousands of individuals statewide.

    Cindy Ehlers - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Ehlers, the Chief Operating Officer at Trillium Health Resources, oversees the day-to-day operational execution of the company's extensive service offerings. Ehlers directs the management of crisis intervention, tailored care management, and preventive health screenings, ensuring high-quality service delivery to individuals with serious behavioral health issues, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. This leadership position is crucial for optimizing the operational efficiency of programs serving North Carolina's Medicaid members and those with mental health and substance use challenges. Cindy Ehlers focuses on streamlining processes to enhance accessibility and effectiveness of support for developmental disabilities. By driving operational excellence, Ehlers ensures that Trillium Health Resources consistently meets its commitment to improving community health and well-being through robust and responsive care management strategies.

    J. Alston - Chief of Staff

    J. Alston, the Chief of Staff at Trillium Health Resources, manages critical operational initiatives and facilitates strategic alignment across departments. Alston supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing organizational priorities, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between executive leadership and various functional teams. This role involves overseeing special projects, driving process improvements, and enhancing the efficiency of service delivery for individuals with serious behavioral health issues and developmental disabilities. The Chief of Staff plays a key part in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, particularly concerning crisis intervention and preventive health programs. By optimizing internal workflows and interdepartmental collaboration, J. Alston directly contributes to the effective management of resources and the successful implementation of Trillium's mission to improve community health and well-being throughout North Carolina.

    Melissa Owens - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa Owens, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Trillium Health Resources, leads all aspects of workforce management and organizational development. Owens is responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing the talent necessary to deliver specialized care to individuals with serious behavioral health issues, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. This role involves cultivating a supportive and high-performing organizational culture that aligns with Trillium's mission to improve community health and well-being. Melissa Owens directs initiatives related to employee engagement, professional development, and compliance, ensuring the workforce is equipped to provide effective crisis intervention and tailored care management. By prioritizing human capital, Owens strengthens Trillium's capacity to serve North Carolina's vulnerable populations, including Medicaid members and those with substance use challenges.

    Burt Johnson - Chief Medical Officer

    Burt Johnson, the Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, provides critical clinical leadership and strategic direction for all medical and behavioral health services. Johnson oversees the development and implementation of evidence-based practices for individuals with serious behavioral health issues, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. This executive guides the clinical integrity of crisis intervention, tailored care management, and preventive health screenings offered to North Carolina's Medicaid members and those with mental health and substance use challenges. Burt Johnson ensures that clinical protocols align with the company's overarching mission to enhance community health and well-being. By championing clinical excellence and innovation, Johnson directly influences the quality of care provided, solidifying Trillium Health Resources' position as a leader in specialized healthcare management.

    Arthur Flores - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Arthur Flores, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, supports the Chief Medical Officer in directing clinical operations and advancing patient care strategies. Flores focuses on the practical application of medical and behavioral health guidelines for individuals with serious behavioral health issues, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries. This role involves enhancing the delivery of crisis intervention and tailored care management services across North Carolina. Arthur Flores contributes to the strategic planning of preventive health screenings and ensures clinical programs effectively serve Medicaid members and individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. By collaborating on clinical initiatives, Flores reinforces Trillium Health Resources' commitment to improving community health and well-being through high-quality, integrated care.

    Isa Cheren - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Isa Cheren, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Trillium Health Resources, assists in the oversight of clinical programs and the enhancement of service delivery models. Cheren concentrates on the specific needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries, ensuring specialized care management is effectively implemented. This position supports the Chief Medical Officer in maintaining the highest standards for crisis intervention and preventive health services across the organization. Isa Cheren plays a vital role in ensuring that clinical strategies align with Trillium's mission to improve community health and well-being for all served populations, including those with mental health and substance use challenges. Cheren's contributions are essential to refining care pathways and expanding access to critical support for North Carolina residents.

    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.