Executive News

ACHE Member Update

Santulli Installed as 2024–2025 ACHE Chair  

William P. Santulli, FACHE, is president, Advocate Health–Midwest Region, Downers Grove, Ill. 

He also serves as Chair of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health.

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Mr. Santulli served as an ACHE Governor from 2020 to 2023 and has served, and continues to serve, on several ACHE committees. 

A leader with an Advocate Health predecessor organization for 21 years, Mr. Santulli previously served as COO of Advocate Aurora Health, Downers Grove, Ill., from 2018 to 2022; executive vice president and COO, Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook, Ill., from 2003 to 2018; and CEO, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, Ill., from 2001 to 2003.

Prior to joining Advocate Health, he was COO of the New England Medical Center’s Academic Medical Center, Boston, from 1999 to 2001; COO (1996 to 1999) and senior vice president (1992 to 1996), Central Iowa Health System, Des Moines; vice president, Valley Hospital Medical Center (UniHealth America), Van Nuys, Calif., from 1989 to 1992; and assistant vice president, Good Samaritan Community Healthcare, Puyallup, Wash., from 1985 to 1988.

Earlier in his career he was an administrative fellow, Healthwest Foundation, Chatsworth, Calif., from 1984 to 1985, and an administrative resident, Metropolitan Medical Center, Minneapolis, from 1983 to 1984.

In addition to his service to ACHE, Mr. Santulli serves on the boards of Moving Analytics and Renovo Solutions. Previously, he served as chair of the Illinois Hospital Association and on the boards of Chicago United, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Des Moines and Los Angeles chapters of the American Red Cross and the YMCA of Boston, Des Moines and Los Angeles. In 2022, Mr. Santulli received the Service Award through ACHE’s Recognition Program. 

Mr. Santulli received a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in sociology and health services research from the University of Florida. He also received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Notre Dame.

Sutton Elected 2024–2025 ACHE Chair-Elect 

Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, is president/CEO, North Oaks Health System, Hammond, La.

She also serves as Chair-Elect of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health.

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Ms. Sutton served as an ACHE Governor from 2020 to 2023 and as the ACHE Regent for Louisiana from 2015 to 2018. She was also president of Louisiana Chapter of Healthcare Executives, an ACHE chapter, in 2014, in addition to serving on various chapter committees.  

Ms. Sutton joined North Oaks Health System in 1988 as community resources officer. She served as executive vice president/COO from 2006 to 2016, before assuming her current title.

In addition to her service to ACHE, Ms. Sutton has been a member of the Louisiana Hospital Association since 1988. She is treasurer of its board of trustees and immediate past chair of its political action committee, HOSPPAC. She also is a member of the LHA Trust Funds board of directors and has participated on committees for the American Hospital Association and the Louisiana Department of Health. Furthermore, former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed Ms. Sutton to serve on the Louisiana Emergency Response Network State Commission, representing hospital service districts. 

Ms. Sutton is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations. She received the Distinguished Service Award (2018 and 2022) through ACHE’s Recognition Program, the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award (2022), the AHA PAC Most Valuable Player Award (2019 and 2021), Alumna of the Year Award, presented by the Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Association (2019), the Chancellor’s Award for College Advancement (2020) and the Distinguished Alumni Award (2023) from Northshore Technical and Community College.

Ms. Sutton earned a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. 

Dunn, Horton, Montoya and Vargas-Mahar Elected ACHE Governors

Four ACHE Fellows were elected to serve three-year terms on ACHE’s Board of Governors. Each took office March 23. 

Ajani N. Dunn, FACHE, is chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, Fla. 

He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health. 

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Mr. Dunn served as the ACHE Regent-at-Large for District 2 from 2019 to 2024 and on various ACHE committees. He was also president of ACHE—North Florida Chapter from 2010 to 2012, in addition to serving as the chair of various chapter committees.

Mr. Dunn joined Mayo Clinic in 2002 as an administrative fellow before moving into the role of operations manager in 2004. From 2006 to 2014, he served as operations administrator and as associate administrator from 2014 to 2021. Then, he was promoted to his current title of chief administrative officer. He also serves as Mayo Clinic’s interim chief digital officer.

In addition to his service to ACHE, Mr. Dunn serves on the board of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, the board of governors for Jacksonville (Fla.) Chamber of Commerce, and the board of directors for the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville (Fla.). He is also a member of Mayo Clinic’s board of trustees.

Mr. Dunn received the Service Award (2009), the Distinguished Service Award (2013) and the Exemplary Service Award (2018) through ACHE’s Recognition Program, as well as an Early Careerist Healthcare Executive Regent Award in 2005 and the Regent Award in 2012 from ACHE.

Mr. Dunn earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration and bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Florida.

Wendy M. Horton, PharmD, FACHE, is CEO, UVA Health University Medical Center, Charlottesville, Va.
 
She also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health. 
Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Dr. Horton has served on various ACHE committees.

Prior to her current role, she served as COO, UVA Medical Center, from 2020 to 2021. Previously, she served as chief administrative officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, from 2017 to 2020. She also served the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wis., in a variety of roles, including vice president, operations, from 2014 to 2017; surgery program director, from 2009 to 2014; and senior clinical pharmacist/technology assessment analyst, from 2008 to 2009. 

In addition to her service to ACHE, Dr. Horton has held several volunteer leadership positions, including serving on the Vizient AMC CEO Executive Advisory Council and on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Foundation. She has also served as an at-large delegate for the American Hospital Association RPB Region 3.

In 2023, Dr. Horton was honored as one of the Top Women Leaders in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare. Additionally, she received the Service Award (2018) through ACHE’s Recognition Program, as well as an Early Careerist Healthcare Executive Regent Award from ACHE in 2013.
Dr. Horton earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Utah, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from Oregon State University. 

Alfred A. Montoya Jr., FACHE, is acting assistant under secretary for health, support services, and deputy assistant under secretary for health, operations, Veterans Health Administration/Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C.

He also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health. 

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Mr. Montoya served as the ACHE Regent for Veterans Affairs from 2022 to 2024 and on various ACHE committees.

Mr. Montoya was appointed to his current role in February 2023. Prior to that, he served as senior advisor to the U.S. deputy under secretary for health, Department of Veterans Affairs, from 2022 to 2023. He served as medical center director, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, from 2019 to 2022, medical center director, Manchester VA Medical Center, from 2018 to 2019, medical center director, White River Junction VA Medical Center, from 2016 to 2018, and assistant director, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, from 2012 to 2016. He previously served in the U.S. Air Force for over 10 years.

Mr. Montoya served as a mentor in the 2023 mentor program for the National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives.

In 2018, Mr. Montoya received the James A. Hamilton Founders Award from the New Hampshire Hospital Association, and he received the VA Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing and Advancement of Nursing Programs in 2019. He also received the Early Careerist Healthcare Executive Regent Award in 2018 from ACHE.

Mr. Montoya earned his Master of Science degree in healthcare administration from Walden University, Minneapolis, in 2011, and his bachelor’s degree in occupational education from Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas, in 2003.

Monica C. Vargas-Mahar, FACHE, is the market CEO, Carondelet Health Network, and CEO, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tucson, Ariz.

She also serves on the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. With comprehensive programs in credentialing, education, career counseling, publications and research, ACHE works toward its goal of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to advancing health. 

Board certified in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow, Ms. Vargas-Mahar has served on various ACHE committees.

She most recently served as CEO at The Hospitals of Providence East Campus in El Paso, Texas, from 2014 to 2021, and as CEO, The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus, El Paso, Texas, from 2014 to 2018. She previously served as COO and vice president of ancillary services.  

In addition to her service to ACHE, Ms. Vargas-Mahar has served as a board member of numerous organizations, including United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, Campus Research Corporation, Texas Lyceum and International Women’s Forum Arizona. She has also served as a board member of Trinity University’s Healthcare Administration program and Loretto Academy High School. She also served as chair of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives. 

In 2012, Ms. Vargas-Mahar was named an “Up & Comer” by Modern Healthcare. Additionally, she received the Service Award (2021) through ACHE’s Recognition Program.

Ms. Vargas-Mahar earned her master’s degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola Marymount University.

ACHE Welcomes New Regents

Twenty healthcare executives have been elected to serve three-year terms as Regents, and one has been appointed to serve as Regent-at-Large for District 2. The Regents took office March 23 at the Council of Regents Meeting preceding ACHE’s 67th Congress on Healthcare Leadership. In addition, two Regents were appointed to represent members on an interim basis in Missouri and Veterans Affairs, and one Regent-at-Large has been appointed on an interim basis to serve District 5. 

The elected Regents will represent ACHE members in their respective jurisdictions; Interim Regents and Regents-at-Large will serve until the next election can be held. 
All individuals are board certified in healthcare management as ACHE Fellows. 

Following are the new Regents and Regents-at-Large listed by the jurisdictions they represent:

Alabama: Robert E. Leech, FACHE 

Canada: Kareen A. Hall, FACHE

Delaware: John D. Shevock, FACHE

District of Columbia & Northern Virginia: Marque Macon, FACHE

Hawaii/Pacific:: Kara Gormont, FACHE

Illinois—Central & Southern: Lexie Schwartz, FACHE

Idaho: Travis P. Leach, FACHE

Kansas: Angela Gamber, FACHE

Louisiana: April L. LaFontaine, DHA, FACHE

Massachusetts: Justine Zilliken, FACHE

Missouri: William B. McNally, JD, FACHE (Interim Regent)

Montana: Jason A. Spring, FACHE

Nevada: Khanh P. Andersen, FACHE

New Hampshire: Michelle L. Buck, DNP, FACHE

New Mexico & Southwest Texas: Jillian R. Springer, FACHE

Oklahoma: Joe Mankin, FACHE

Oregon: Jane Russell, FACHE

Texas—Northern: Jared C. Shelton, FACHE

Utah: Lisa Vitkus, FACHE

Veterans Affairs: David B. Isaacks, FACHE (Interim Regent)

Vermont: Kelly O. Watson, DNP, RN, FACHE

Wisconsin: Alexandra Urrutia-Comas, FACHE

Regent-at-Large, District 2: Nicole Radford, FACHE

Regent-at-Large, District 5: Amandeep K. Chawla, FACHE (Interim Regent)

For additional information about these representatives, visit ache.org/Regents. 

ACHE Call for Nominations for the 2025 Slate

ACHE’s 2024–2025 Nominating Committee is calling for applications for service beginning in 2025. ACHE Fellows are eligible for the Chair-Elect and Governor vacancies and are eligible for the Nominating Committee vacancies within their districts. Those interested in pursuing applications should review the candidate guidelines for the competencies and qualifications required for these important roles. Open positions on the slate include:

• Nominating Committee Member, District 2 (two-year term ending in 2027).
• Nominating Committee Member, District 3 (two-year term ending in 2027).
• Nominating Committee Member, District 6 (two-year term ending in 2027).
• Four Governors (three-year terms ending in 2028).
• Chair-Elect.

Please refer to the following district designations for the open positions:

• District 2: District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia.
• District 3: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
• District 6: Uniformed Services/Veterans Affairs.

Candidates for Chair-Elect and Governor should submit an application to serve, a copy of their resume and up to 10 letters of support.

For details, please review the Candidate Guidelines, including guidance from the Board of Governors to the Nominating Committee regarding the personal competencies of Chair-Elect and Governor candidates and the composition of the Board of Governors.

Candidates for the Nominating Committee should only submit a letter of self-nomination and a copy of their resume. Due to the importance and nature of work conducted by the Nominating Committee, candidates should demonstrate effective and successful prior experience as a healthcare leader and ACHE volunteer.

Applications to serve and self-nominations must be submitted electronically to krock@ache.org and must be received by July 26. All correspondence should be addressed to Anthony A. Armada, FACHE, chair, Nominating Committee, c/o Kim Rock, American College of Healthcare Executives, 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste. 1900, Chicago, IL 60606-6698.

The first meeting of ACHE’s 2023–2024 Nominating Committee was held March 26 during the 2024 Congress on Healthcare Leadership in Chicago. During the meeting, the Nominating Committee conducted an orientation session for potential candidates regarding the nominating process. Immediately following the orientation, an open forum was held for ACHE members to present and discuss their views of ACHE leadership needs.

Following the July 26 submission deadline, the committee may meet to determine which candidates for Chair-Elect and Governor will be interviewed. All candidates will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than Sept. 27, and candidates for Chair-Elect and Governor will be interviewed in person Oct. 17 in Chicago.

To review the Candidate Guidelines, visit ache.org/CandidateGuidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Rock at (312) 424-9375 or krock@ache.org.

People

Two ACHE Members Receive Baldrige Foundation National Leadership Awards

The Baldrige Foundation presented two members with National Leadership Awards during the 
35th annual Foundation Awards Ceremony Quest for Excellence conference near Washington, D.C., April 9. 

Theresa Sullivan, FACHE, CEO, Samaritan Health, Evanston, Ill., and Ashley R. Vertuno, FACHE, CEO, HCA Florida JFK North Hospital, West Palm Beach, Fla. 

They were two of the five recipients of the 2024 Foundation Awards for Leadership Excellence in Healthcare. 

The Baldridge award recognizes leaders in the business, nonprofit, government, healthcare, education and cybersecurity sectors who provide exceptionally outstanding support to Baldrige and the foundation’s mission. 

To learn more about the Baldrige Foundation National Leadership Awards, visit baldrigefoundation.org. 

ACHE Member Receives AHA Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award 

Stephany Nihipali Vaioleti, FACHE, president and CEO, Queens North Hawaii Community Hospital, Waimea, Hawaii, was awarded the American Hospital Association’s 2023 Rural Hospital Leadership Team Award. 

The award recognizes small or rural hospital leaders who guide their hospital and community through change and innovation. 

The awardees display outstanding leadership, responsiveness to their community’s health needs and a collaborative process that has led to measurable outcomes. 

The award was presented during AHA’s 36th annual Rural Health Care Leadership Conference held Feb. 11–14 in Orlando, Fla. 

ACHE Staff News

ACHE Announces New Hires and Promotions 

Salina Alvarez welcomed as coordinator, Department of Executive Engagement.

Carla Nessa promoted to creative director, Department of Communications and Marketing, from art director.

Hazel Oreluk welcomed as director of research, Department of Research, Executive Office.

Zoe Siftar welcomed as program specialist, Learn, Department of Professional Development.