Novant Health appoints chief medical officer, and more | MED MOVES

Pam Oliver has been named the executive vice president and chief medical officer of Novant Health.

Pam Oliver (Photo: Novant Health)

Oliver previously served as executive vice president of Novant Health and president of the Novant Health Physician Network. She is also a board-certified and practicing OB-GYN.

"Dr. Oliver’s expertise as a skilled OB-GYN and years leading the Novant Health Medical Group have positioned her well to lead as chief medical officer for Novant Health,” Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health, said in a statement. “She has been a constant champion for our patients, as well as a courageous voice for our physicians and advanced practice providers, so that they may provide the safest care possible to the communities we serve.”

Oliver has practiced at Novant Health WomanCare since 2005, and she has also served in various leadership capacities at Novant Health. She has also become a national advocate for addressing disparities in Black maternal health.

“As chief medical officer, I’ll have the opportunity to expand my focus on safety and quality, medical education, clinical research and health equity, which remains the driving force behind my work as both a physician and a woman of color,” Oliver said in a statement. “I look forward to leading our care teams through an ever-changing industry, so that everyone in our communities has access to and receives remarkable care.”     

Providence hires leader for South Division

Laureen Driscoll has been named the chief executive for Providence’s South Division.

Laureen Driscoll (Photo: Providence)

After serving as interim executive for five months, Driscoll was elevated to the new role June 7.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always had a deep focus on caring for people in need and driving improvements to health care,” Driscoll said in a statement. “Working at Providence and serving the community in this new capacity is an honor. I also want to thank the incredible team of caregivers we have in California who do an amazing job every single day.”

Driscoll began her health care career as a nurse before moving to administrative leadership roles. Before serving in the interim role for the South Division, Driscoll was the chief executive for Providence’s Northern California region.

She also held previous leadership roles at MultiCare Health System and Providence Swedish.

“During her time as the Northern California Regional chief executive and now as interim chief executive, Laureen has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to foster internal collaboration, build strong relationships with community partners, and drive innovation across the South Division,” Erik Wexler, Providence’s chief operating officer, said in a statement.

“Furthermore, her passion for delivering exceptional patient care, along with a focus on operational excellence, has helped us continue to meet the ever-evolving health care needs of our communities in California.”

Tenet Healthcare appoints chief financial officer

Sun Park has been named the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Tenet Healthcare Corporation.

Park will serve as an executive vice president of the company from July 11 through December 31, 2023. On Jan. 1, Park will begin his new role as chief financial officer, succeeding Dan Cancelmi, who will retire at the end of 2023.

Park will report to Saum Sutaria, CEO of Tenet.

“Sun’s well rounded leadership experience in corporate and operational finance will enable us to continue to unlock value for our shareholders as we continue to transform our portfolio,” Sutaria said in a statement.

Most recently, Park served as executive vice president and group chief financial officer for pharmaceutical distribution and strategic global sourcing of AmerisourceBergen. He held that role since 2018, and has held leadership roles at several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

“I am excited to join Tenet Healthcare, a leading healthcare services company with a track record for growth and value creation,” Park said in a statement. “I am looking forward to building upon the strong financial foundation to further the Company’s continued performance.”

Asante Health hires president and CEO

Tom Gessel has been named the new president and chief executive officer of Asante Health in Oregon.

Tom Gessel (Photo: Asante Health)

Gessel begins his new role effective Sept. 18. He succeeds Scott Kelly, who retired in February, and Roy Vinyard, who has served in the interim role since October 2022.

“Asante’s long-standing service to the communities of Southern Oregon, and national recognition and awards for the highest quality of care, are what drew me into discussions about this opportunity,” Gessel said in a statement. “I am motivated and inspired to be a part of a team of passionate caregivers dedicated to serving others.”

Gessel brings 20 years of experience in healthcare at the executive level and nearly 35 years of experience in the industry.

Asante chose Gessel after a nationwide search.

“His impressive and extensive health care experience and his open, personable and enthusiastic leadership style made him our top choice,” Peter Angstadt, Asante board chair, said in a statement.

Tammy Torres (Photo: Lehigh Valley Health Network)

Lehigh Valley Health Network names president of Hazleton hospital

Tammy Torres has been named president of Lehigh Valley Health Network-Hazleton.

Torres is responsible for the operations of the LVH–Hazleton hospital facilities and will collaborate with leadership at Lehigh Valley’s Northwest Region hospitals, LVH–Schuylkill and LVH–Carbon.

Most recently, Torres served as corporate administration consultant at Crozer-Chester Health Network/Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa.

“I look forward to continuing the work that has been started at Hazleton and look forward to building relationships with our community,” Torres said in a statement.

Previously, Torres served as CEO of Salem Medical Center, Salem, N.J. She also served as chief operating officer/chief nursing officer at both Community Health Care Systems Division III-The Memorial Hospital of Salem County, Salem County, N.J., and Community Health Care Systems Division III Brandywine Hospital, Coatesville, Pa.

She also held senior leadership roles at Cape Regional Medical Center, Cape May Court House, N.J., Tenet Healthcare-PA Region and Tenet Healthcare-Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia.

David Agler (Photo: First Choice Health)

First Choice Health chooses CMO

David Agler has been named the chief medical officer of First Choice Health.

He joined First Choice as the vice president of medical management in 2022. Previously, Agler was the regional medical director for Humana and practiced as a family medicine physician for over a decade in a variety of healthcare settings.

“I am proud to continue my journey with an organization that prioritizes providing the best possible experience and outcomes for our members and to bridge the gap between providers and payers,” Agler said in a statement. “I am committed to ensuring our growth continues while we provide best-in-class healthcare.”

First Choice Health CEO Jaja Okigwe said Agler has become a vital member of the organization.

“We are beyond confident in his leadership skills and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes he will bring to our members as chief medical officer,” Okigwe said in a statement.

Craig White

CuriMeta announces new chief data officer

Craig White has been appointed as the chief data officer of CuriMeta, a health data company.

White was previously senior vice president and general manager at ConcertAI, where he led the health services research and analytics division. He served as vice president and managing director at Precision Medicine Group.

White also held leadership roles at Orion Health and IQVIA.

"In conjunction with leading health systems and academic medical centers, CuriMeta provides a compliant and full view of the entire patient journey, which will in turn accelerate the drug R&D process, reduce costs, and get life-enhancing therapies to patients sooner,” White said in a statement.