TriStar Health Executive and Leadership Team

Wyatt Chocklett, the Chief Executive Officer at TriStar Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest healthcare provider in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Overseeing a vast network of 10 hospitals and 14 emergency rooms, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all clinical and administrative departments. Wyatt Chocklett maintains alignment with HCA corporate standards while driving regional growth initiatives that support over 625,000 patients annually. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves managing a workforce of 10,200 employees, including 4,000 nurses, to maintain high standards of care. Through consistent focus on market expansion and service integration, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the entire regional healthcare ecosystem.

Nicholas Howald, the Chief Executive Officer(Southern Hills Medical Center) at TriStar Health, directs the daily operations and clinical performance of this specific facility within the broader regional network. Overseeing the delivery of acute care services, the Chief Executive Officer(Southern Hills Medical Center) ensures that patient safety and quality metrics align with the high standards set by the organization. Nicholas Howald manages the integration of specialized medical services, including emergency and surgical care, to meet the needs of the local patient population. By coordinating with department heads and medical staff, the Chief Executive Officer(Southern Hills Medical Center) fosters an environment of continuous improvement and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves driving local initiatives that contribute to the overall success of the 10-hospital system. Through focused management of facility resources, the Chief Executive Officer(Southern Hills Medical Center) enhances the impact of the hospital on the surrounding community.

Vicki Gaines, the Chief Financial Officer at TriStar Health, manages the fiscal health and capital investment strategies for the entire regional network. Overseeing financial planning, revenue cycle management, and budgetary compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains the resources necessary to support 13 CareNow Urgent Care centers and 58 medical group locations. Vicki Gaines directs the allocation of funds toward advanced cardiology services and pediatric care infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the community. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights required for sustainable growth across Southern Kentucky and Tennessee. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to balance financial performance with the mission of improving human life. Through rigorous fiscal discipline, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the financial foundation of the organization.

Tama Van Decar, the Division Chief Medical Officer at TriStar Health, architects the clinical standards and medical governance across the entire regional network. Overseeing the performance of over 1,600 physicians, the Division Chief Medical Officer ensures that evidence-based practices drive patient care in oncology, cardiology, and behavioral health. Tama Van Decar directs the implementation of clinical protocols that support the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute and other specialized departments. By collaborating with hospital leadership, the Division Chief Medical Officer maintains high quality-of-care benchmarks and regulatory compliance. This role involves leading initiatives to improve patient outcomes through advanced diagnostic and treatment methodologies. Through the oversight of medical staff development and clinical integration, the Division Chief Medical Officer ensures that the organization remains a leader in healthcare delivery. The Division Chief Medical Officer directly influences the quality of care provided to nearly 460,000 emergency room visitors annually.