WellStar Health System Executive and Leadership Team

Ketul Patel, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WellStar Health System, directs the overarching strategic vision for this extensive not-for-profit network. Overseeing the integration of hospitals, physician groups, and hospice services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all clinical and administrative departments. This leadership role involves driving long-term growth initiatives while maintaining high standards of patient care across the Georgia market. By fostering collaboration between the WellStar Foundation and clinical leadership, Ketul Patel secures the resources necessary for expanding medical access. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors system-wide performance metrics to guarantee operational excellence. Through consistent focus on innovation and community health, Patel strengthens the market position of the organization. This executive leadership ensures that the entire health system remains responsive to evolving patient needs while sustaining financial viability and operational stability throughout the region.

Lisa Bussard, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Wellstar Health Plan at WellStar Health System, manages the fiscal health of the insurance and plan-related divisions. Overseeing budgetary allocations and financial risk assessment, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Wellstar Health Plan ensures the long-term sustainability of health coverage initiatives. This leadership role involves analyzing reimbursement models and optimizing revenue cycles to support the broader mission of the organization. By coordinating with executive leadership, Lisa Bussard aligns financial planning with the strategic goals of the health system. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Wellstar Health Plan monitors economic performance to ensure that resources are directed toward high-impact patient services. Through disciplined financial oversight, Bussard maintains the fiscal integrity of the health plan. This executive function provides the necessary economic foundation for the system to continue delivering high-quality care to the community.

John Kerndl, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at WellStar Health System, directs the global financial strategy and capital allocation for the entire organization. Overseeing the financial reporting, treasury functions, and investment portfolios, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal health of the system. This leadership role involves managing the balance sheet to support large-scale investments in medical technology and facility expansion. By collaborating with the Board, John Kerndl establishes financial policies that promote sustainable growth and operational efficiency. The Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer monitors market conditions to mitigate financial risks and ensure the long-term viability of the not-for-profit mission. Through strategic financial planning, Kerndl provides the resources necessary for the system to maintain its competitive edge. This executive function is essential for the continued success of the organization in providing comprehensive healthcare services across the region.

Marcia Turner, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at WellStar Health System, manages the financial operations for specific hospital divisions. Overseeing the revenue cycle and departmental budgeting, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that individual units operate within their financial targets. This leadership role involves analyzing cost structures to identify efficiencies in clinical service delivery. By collaborating with hospital administrators, Marcia Turner provides the financial insights necessary for informed decision-making. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer monitors monthly performance reports to track progress toward organizational goals. Through disciplined financial management, Turner supports the overall fiscal health of the system. This executive function ensures that each hospital division has the resources required to provide high-quality care while maintaining the financial sustainability of the broader organization. The role is critical for balancing operational needs with the fiscal constraints of the health system.

Meredith Bass, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WellStar Health System, directs the financial planning for the urgent care and physician group segments. Overseeing the billing processes and financial performance of these outpatient services, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that these units contribute effectively to the system's revenue. This leadership role involves developing financial models that support the expansion of urgent care access across the region. By working with clinical leadership, Meredith Bass aligns financial incentives with patient care objectives. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer monitors key performance indicators to ensure that outpatient services remain profitable and efficient. Through strategic financial oversight, Bass supports the mission of providing accessible medical care to the community. This executive function is vital for maintaining the financial health of the outpatient network, ensuring that the system can continue to invest in new technologies and service improvements.

Bryce Sillyman, the Chief Operating Officer at WellStar Health System, manages the daily operational efficiency of the hospital network. Overseeing the logistical coordination of medical facilities, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes workflows to improve patient throughput and service delivery. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to ensure that urgent care centers and nursing facilities operate at peak capacity. By implementing standardized protocols, Bryce Sillyman reduces administrative friction and enhances the quality of care across the system. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with clinical staff to maintain high safety standards and operational compliance. Through rigorous oversight of facility resources, Sillyman supports the expansion of medical services throughout the region. This executive role focuses on the tactical execution of system-wide goals, ensuring that every hospital and clinic functions as a cohesive unit to provide seamless care for all patients within the network.

Victoria Dune-Chari, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at WellStar Health System, directs the operational performance of specialized clinical departments. Overseeing the integration of physician groups and outpatient services, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures that these units meet rigorous performance benchmarks. This leadership role involves refining patient care pathways to enhance the overall experience within the health system. By collaborating with medical directors, Victoria Dune-Chari optimizes staffing models and resource utilization to improve service efficiency. The Vice President, Chief Operating Officer monitors operational data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Through strategic management of clinical operations, Dune-Chari supports the growth of the organization in the regional market. This executive role focuses on the granular details of service delivery, ensuring that every patient interaction is supported by efficient, high-quality operational systems that align with the mission of the health system.

Frank Carpenter, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WellStar Health System, manages the infrastructure and facility operations for the hospital network. Overseeing the maintenance and expansion of physical assets, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all medical facilities meet modern safety and technology standards. This leadership role involves coordinating capital projects to improve the physical environment for patients and staff. By managing vendor relationships and supply chain logistics, Frank Carpenter optimizes the operational costs of the system. The Vice President & Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to align facility development with the long-term growth strategy of the organization. Through rigorous oversight of physical infrastructure, Carpenter enhances the capacity of the system to serve the community. This executive function ensures that the operational backbone of the health system remains robust, reliable, and capable of supporting advanced medical care.

Kimberley Taaca, the Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at WellStar Health System, manages the operational integration of hospice and homecare services. Overseeing the delivery of care in non-hospital settings, the Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that these critical services meet the high standards of the organization. This leadership role involves developing programs that extend the reach of the health system into the community. By coordinating with clinical teams, Kimberley Taaca optimizes the transition of care for patients moving between hospital and home environments. The Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer monitors service quality and patient satisfaction metrics to drive continuous improvement. Through strategic management of home-based care, Taaca supports the mission of providing holistic health services. This executive role focuses on the expansion of care beyond traditional hospital walls, ensuring that the system remains a comprehensive provider for all patient needs.

David Preston, the Chief Marketing Officer at WellStar Health System, architects the brand identity and communication strategies for the entire organization. Managing outreach programs for hospitals, urgent care centers, and homecare services, the Chief Marketing Officer drives patient engagement through targeted digital and community-based campaigns. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to position the health system as a preferred provider within the competitive Georgia landscape. By coordinating with clinical departments, David Preston ensures that public messaging accurately reflects the quality of care provided. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees the development of promotional materials that highlight the diverse service offerings of the system. Through strategic brand management, Preston enhances the visibility of the organization among diverse patient populations. This executive function supports the broader mission of expanding access to medical services by effectively communicating the value proposition of the health system to the public.