New Waves of Hospice Executives Take the Lead

A swath of hospices have appointed new executives to steer their organizations.

Hosparus Health taps new president

Hosparus Health has named Becky Tooker as its new president.

Tooker has more than 25 years of health care leadership experience, particularly in hospice, home health and post-acute care. She began her career as a pediatric hospice nurse and is certified in hospice and palliative care administration. In her previous roles, she served as an executive director at St. Croix Hospice and a regional president at Traditions Health in Texas.

In her new role, Tooker closely collaborates with clinical and operational leaders to improve quality and strengthen service development. Her appointment supports a leadership restructuring process at Hosparus Health. The health system’s CEO David Cook will continue serving in his current role while simultaneously leading Everent Health, which is the parent organization of Hosparus Health and Bluegrass Care Navigators.

“Becky understands the importance of supporting the people who care for our patients every day,” Hosparus Health CEO David Cook said in a statement shared with Hospice News. “I’m excited to welcome her to Hosparus Health and work alongside her as we continue strengthening the care and support our communities rely on.”

Established in 1978, Hosparus Health provides hospice, palliative care and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) across 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. The nonprofit’s annual census hovers around 14,000 patients who receive support from more than 600 employees and upwards of 500 volunteers.

Bristol Hospice welcomes new executive directors

Bristol Hospice has tapped a series of new regional leaders.

Valerie Meyer has become the new executive director of Bristol Hospice-Nebraska. Meyer was previously the director of pediatrics at Endless Journey Hospice LLC. Prior to that, she served as a registered pediatric intensive care unit nurse at Nebraska Medicine, as well as a clinical care coordinator at the Nebraska Methodist Health System.

Joining Bristol Hospice-Northwest Indiana is Marriza Negrete, who now serves as its director of business development. Negrete was previously the regional director of sales at Traditions Health. She has also served as community liaison at Harbor Light Hospice.

Meanwhile, Jason Hill has been appointed as the new executive director of Bristol Hospice-Ohio. Hill most recently served as administrator at Garden Healthcare’s skilled nursing and rehabilitation center Prestige Gardens, holding a similar role previously at Transitions Care. He was also executive director at Wexner Heritage Village and also at Enlivant. Hill’s other former roles include a community liaison at Bella Care Hospice.

Bristol Hospice has provided care since 2006 and currently has 78 locations across 25 states. Backed by the private equity firm Webster Equity Partners, the company provides adult and pediatric hospice and palliative care. Bristol Hospice offers a veterans program as well as services for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through its Breathe Easy program. Additionally, the hospice’s Bright Moments program is designed to address the needs of patients with end-stage dementia.

New president, CEO steps forward at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Karen Brubaker Miller will become the new president and CEO of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, who replaces Gwen Whitley. She is the fourth leader to step into the role and helm the North Carolina-based organization in its 46-year history.

Brubaker Miller has more than 30 years of experience in hospice and palliative care. She began her career as a licensed clinical hospice social worker, ascending to hold several c-suite executive positions at organizations such the Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Hospice of the Golden Isles, Good Samaritan Hospice and Montgomery Hospice.

Her appointment marks an “important new chapter” for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare as it expands its services and its mission to increase access to high-quality care, the organization said in an announcement. The nonprofit provides hospice, palliative care, bereavement and dementia support in North and South Carolina.

“After meeting Karen, I knew we had found the right person to lead LifeCare forward,” Whitley said in a statement shared with Hospice News. “She brings the experience, judgment, and compassion that align with who we are and the care we provide every day.”

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice names new executive director

Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice has appointed Lee Ellison as its new executive director.

The nonprofit is part of New Jersey-based Quinlan Care Concepts, which offers hospice and palliative care in Pennsylvania and in its home state. Governed by the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation and established more than 45 years ago, the hospice also operates the Joseph T. Quinlan Bereavement Center.

Ellison has more than three decades of leadership experience. She most recently served as director of marketing and media and business development at Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. She has played a “pivotal role” in advancing the organization’s mission through program development, community engagement and partnerships, funding growth and strategic initiatives, according to the hospice’s board of trustees.

“Lee Ellison embodies the mission, values, and vision of Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice,” the board said in an announcement. “Her knowledge, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to compassionate end‑of‑life care make her exceptionally well‑prepared to lead the organization into its next chapter. The board has full confidence in Lee’s ability to guide our hospice with integrity, innovation, and a steadfast focus on those we serve.”