Dennis Matheis will succeed Howard Kern as president and CEO on September 1.
Sentara Healthcare has named its next president and CEO.
The nonprofit health system's board of directors has appointed Dennis Matheis to succeed Howard Kern as its top executive, following a national search.
In his new role, Matheis will focus on the system's strategic priorities, building on the quality, safety, and financial foundation established by his predecessor.
"Dennis is consistently innovating and thinking about ways to increase access to quality care, achieve greater success and outcomes, and develop new services to improve each patient's and member's individual experience with health and wellness services," Allan Parrott, board chair of Sentara's board of directors said in a release.
Parrott described Matheis as a "visionary" leader with a track record to prove it. He has spent the last 30 years in senior leadership roles throughout the healthcare industry with Anthem, Cigna, and Humana Health Plan, and most recently served as president of Sentara Health Plan and executive vice president of Sentara Healthcare since 2018.
Notably, he led Sentara Health Plans in its technology modernization efforts and implemented innovative models of care with provider partners. Matheis was also instrumental in Sentara Health Plan's joint ownership transaction of Virginia Premier with VCU Health System, according to the press release.
"I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to serve this great organization as its next president and CEO. The depth of talent and experience of our leaders and team members throughout Sentara is extraordinary," Matheis said in a statement. "Witnessing firsthand the sacrifice and dedication exhibited by phyiscians, nurses, and all team members in our hospitals and clinics throughout the pandemic was truly inspiring, and I look forward to working more closely with them. We will continue our tradition of delivering industry-leading quality outcomes while positioning Sentara for success in a rapidly evolving health care landscape."
“Witnessing firsthand the sacrifice and dedication exhibited by physicians, nurses, and all team members in our hospitals and clinics throughout the pandemic was truly inspiring, and I look forward to working more closely with them. We will continue our tradition of delivering industry-leading quality outcomes while positioning Sentara for success in a rapidly evolving health care landscape.”
Dennis Matheis, incoming president, CEO, Sentara Health
Jasmyne Ray is the revenue cycle editor at HealthLeaders.