Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
January 24, 2025
The changes, which take effect on February 1, are part of an effort to address financial challenges and direct more resources to frontline care.
Providence, the Renton, Washington-based health system, has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team, a move aimed at streamlining operations and advancing its healthcare strategies.
The changes, which take effect on February 1, are part of an effort to address financial challenges and direct more resources to frontline care.
Erik Wexler, who assumed his role as President and CEO on January 1, stated, “This updated structure will enable us to better advance our strategic priorities while supporting the dedicated teams delivering care on the ground.”
The health system has faced substantial financial difficulties over the past two years, with multibillion-dollar losses in 2022 and nearly $600 million in losses in 2023. To counter this, Providence restructured its organizational framework, consolidating its seven regional divisions into three and reducing the size of its executive team. These measures are expected to create greater efficiency and align resources to bolster its frontline workforce, with Wexler expressing confidence in the organization’s ability to achieve financial stability by 2026.
Among the key changes, Dr Darryl Elmouchi, the Chief Operating Officer, will now oversee operations across Providence’s three divisions: home and community care, compliance, and clinical care functions. Greg Hoffman, the Chief Financial Officer, will continue to manage financial operations and corporate development while also overseeing the system’s business partnerships, which include revenue cycle management firm R1 and home health provider Compassus.
Dr Susan Huang has been named Chief Physician Executive and will continue her leadership of the Providence Clinical Network. She will oversee a broad range of responsibilities, including clinics, diagnostics, urgent care centers, research programs, and graduate medical education. Sara Vaezy, who currently serves as Chief Strategy and Digital Officer, will lead the newly established Office of Transformation, which focuses on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, digital healthcare solutions, and technology partnerships.
Prub “PK” Khurana has been named Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, responsible for strategic planning and overseeing Providence’s technology hub in Hyderabad, India. Ali Santore, transitioning from her role as Chief Administrative Officer to Chief Communication and External Affairs Officer, will continue to lead efforts in advocacy, philanthropy, environmental stewardship, and health equity. Dougal Hewitt has been named Chief Mission Officer, tasked with focusing on mission-related activities, spiritual health, ethics, and community benefits. A spokesperson confirmed that Orest Holubec, currently Chief Communication Officer, will join Hewitt’s team in the mission-focused work.
In a notable departure, Dr Hoda Asmar, the System Chief Clinical Officer, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities. Her responsibilities will be split between Dr. Elmouchi and Dr. Huang. Providence’s leadership restructuring underscores its commitment to operational efficiency and strengthening its care delivery model. As the health system focuses on financial recovery and strategic transformation, Wexler expressed optimism, stating, “This transformation ensures we’re better equipped to deliver on our mission of providing high-quality care to the communities we serve.”