New Hospice Leaders Emerge

A host of new hospice executives have recently taken the helm at organizations across the country.

Montgomery Hospice Taps New COO

Montgomery Hospice Inc., dba Montgomery & Prince George’s Hospice, has named Sara McKay as its new COO.

Founded in 1981, the nonprofit hospice serves patients in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. The organization operates an inpatient facility, Casey House, which features 14 patient beds. In addition to hospice, the nonprofit provides palliative care and caregiver support.

McKay began her career in health care as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Her 18 years of hospice experience includes leading multi-state operations, opening de novos and driving strategic growth initiatives.

Prior to joining Montgomery Hospice, McKay served as CEO at the Hospice of Washington County, moving up through the ranks after starting as its business development executive in 2019. She started as a hospice aide in 2009 at Gateway Hospice, eventually becoming its business and project development coordinator prior to leaving the organization in 2016. McKay was also the director of palliative care at OSPTA Home Health & Hospice.

“Sara brings a deep commitment to quality, access and compassionate care,” the organization stated in a social media post. “We are excited for the vision, expertise and heart she brings to our team as we continue to serve patients and families with excellence.”

VITAS Healthcare Names New VP of Finance

VITAS Healthcare has tapped Juan Gomez as its new vice president of finance.

Gomez joins the Chemed Corp. (NYSE: CHE) subsidiary after most recently serving as the senior director of revenue cycle at Gastro Health. He began his tenure at VITAS Healthcare in a similar role in 2018, eventually becoming senior director of revenue cycle systems, reporting, analytics and palliative care before leaving the company in 2024. His other prior roles include supervisor of medical collections at the University of Miami.

VITAS Healthcare provides hospice and palliative care across 15 states and in the District of Columbia. Founded in 1978, the company’s roughly 12,000 employees provide care to upwards of 22,000 patients daily.

Three Oaks Hospice’s Unveils 2 New Executives

Three Oaks Hospice has recently announced the appointment of two new executive leaders.

Shazmin Bhanji has been tapped as the hospice’s new chief growth officer. Meanwhile, Kim Hamilton recently became the organization’s new area vice president of operations.

Bhanji has more than 20 years of health care sales leadership experience. She has held both sales and senior leadership roles at organizations such as AccentCare, Amedisys and IVX Health. Bhanji oversees Three Oaks Hospice’s growth strategy across its sales, marketing and strategic partnerships. She also leads the organization’s market expansion, census growth, performance optimization and supports acquisition integration across multiple states. Bhanji also oversees various data, processes and technology that enable scalable community connections and growth.

“We are so grateful to have you on board, Shazmin!” Three Oaks Hospice said in a social media post. “At the core of her work is a commitment to expanding access to high-quality care for aging and vulnerable populations, with a leadership style grounded in data, collaboration and clinical excellence.”

Dallas-based Three Oaks Hospice launched in 2019, fueled by a $21 million seed investment round led by Granite Growth Health Partners, Health Velocity Capital and Petra Capital Partners.

Hamilton joins the company with more than 30 years of health care experience. A licensed practical nurse and nursing home administrator, she has held executive roles at Heart to Heart Hospice and Compassus.

“We’re grateful for Kim’s experience, heart and leadership she brings at Three Oaks Hospice,” the organization stated in a social media post. “Throughout her career, Kim has been passionate about building and mentoring high-performing, values-driven teams. Her leadership approach is grounded in continuous improvement, collaboration and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for patients and families.”

The Denver Hospice Announces 2 Leadership Changes

The Denver Hospice has named a new medical director and a vice president of clinical services.

Dr. Julienne Bemski, a board certified family physician, has become the hospice’s new medical director. She previously served as the associate program director at HCA Healthcare’s Swedish Family Medicine Residency program. Prior to that, Bemski previously served as a family physician for SCL Health. She is currently completing a community fellowship in hospice and palliative care at the University of Colorado.

“Julie brings both clinical excellence and a deeply human approach to care,” The Denver Hospice President Ben Marcantonio said in a statement. “She understands that hospice and palliative care are about more than medicine — they’re about listening, dignity and walking alongside people when it matters most.”

The Denver Hospice is part of a group of nonprofit providers that formed the collective Care Synergy in 2014. Other affiliates in the organization include Pathways Hospice, Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care, the Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and the nonprofit Colorado PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

The hospice also named a new vice president of clinical services, Kerry McLaughlin, a registered nurse.

McLaughlin most recently served as a manager of professional practice at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. She oversaw the hospital’s first recognition in the American Nurses Association’s Magnet program for nursing excellence. McLaughlin has helped to develop system-wide professional governance structures, implemented Lean-based management process improvements and exceeded national benchmarks in patient experience and nurse engagement.

“Kerry is a leader who understands how to balance high standards with humanity,” Marcantonio said in an announcement. “She knows that when clinicians are supported, patients and families receive better, more compassionate care.”