Willis Knighton Health Executive and Leadership Team

Zia Shams, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Willis Knighton Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this not-for-profit healthcare system. Overseeing the integration of four acute care hospitals and specialized centers of excellence, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between clinical outcomes and the philanthropic mission. This leadership role involves managing the expansion of the Willis Knighton Physician Network to maintain high standards of primary and specialty care across the Ark-La-Tex region. By prioritizing the reinvestment of profits into local community initiatives, Zia Shams secures the organization's status as the premier nongovernmental employer. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the board to refine long-term growth objectives. Through rigorous oversight of the entire health system, Shams drives operational excellence and sustains the commitment to community-focused medical delivery.

Mary Jane Ward, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President, Finance at Willis Knighton Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the organization. Overseeing the budgeting process for all acute care hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and the physician network, the Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President, Finance ensures the sustainability of the philanthropic model. This role involves directing the financial strategy to support the 10% profit reinvestment mandate for community initiatives. By monitoring revenue streams from specialized centers like the proton therapy center, Mary Jane Ward optimizes resource distribution to maximize patient care quality. The Chief Financial Officer & Senior Vice President, Finance collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate investment opportunities in new medical technologies and facility expansions. Through disciplined financial oversight, Ward secures the long-term economic stability required to serve the Ark-La-Tex region effectively.

Kevin Fuhrman, the Chief Operating Officer, The Oaks of Louisiana at Willis Knighton Health, directs the daily operations and service delivery for the system's senior residential options. Overseeing the staff and facility management at The Oaks, the Chief Operating Officer, The Oaks of Louisiana ensures that residents receive high-quality care and support services. This leadership role involves coordinating with the broader health system to provide seamless transitions between residential living and acute medical care. By optimizing operational workflows within the senior living environment, Kevin Fuhrman enhances the quality of life for the aging population in the Ark-La-Tex region. The Chief Operating Officer, The Oaks of Louisiana manages budget adherence and regulatory compliance to maintain the highest standards of safety and comfort. Through focused operational management, Fuhrman ensures that the residential division remains a cornerstone of the organization's comprehensive healthcare mission.

Powers Charlie, the Chief Marketing Officer at Willis Knighton Health, architects the brand identity and public engagement strategies for the largest healthcare provider in the region. Managing the communication channels for urgent care clinics, emergency centers, and specialized institutes, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that patients understand the full scope of available medical services. This role involves developing outreach campaigns that highlight the Willis Knighton Cancer Center and the Heart and Vascular Institute to attract regional patient volume. By analyzing market trends across the Ark-La-Tex area, Powers Charlie optimizes the visibility of the health system's wellness centers and residential options. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with clinical leadership to translate complex medical offerings into accessible information for the community. Through strategic brand positioning, Charlie strengthens the reputation of the organization as a trusted leader in regional healthcare delivery.

Mark Galea, the Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Digital at Willis Knighton Health, directs the technological transformation of the entire healthcare network. Overseeing the implementation of advanced digital health records and secure data systems, the Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Digital ensures seamless connectivity between the four acute care hospitals and the extensive physician network. This leadership role involves architecting scalable infrastructure to support the innovation center and remote patient monitoring services. By modernizing the digital interface for imaging and laboratory services, Mark Galea improves operational efficiency and patient access across the Ark-La-Tex region. The Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Digital coordinates with clinical teams to integrate new software solutions that enhance diagnostic accuracy. Through constant technological upgrades, Galea maintains the competitive edge of the health system in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sharon Scott, the Chief People Officer & Assistant Manager at Willis Knighton Health, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the largest nongovernmental employer in the region. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional training for over 350 providers and thousands of staff members, the Chief People Officer & Assistant Manager ensures a high-performance culture across all hospitals and clinics. This role involves architecting employee wellness programs that align with the system's broader mission of community health. By managing labor relations and workforce planning, Sharon Scott supports the operational needs of the entire health system. The Chief People Officer & Assistant Manager collaborates with department heads to foster an environment of clinical excellence and compassionate care. Through strategic talent management, Scott drives the organizational growth necessary to sustain the high-quality medical services provided throughout the Ark-La-Tex region.