Utah Healthcare Executives

---

TAD MORLEY, MHA, FACHE – Executive Director Network Development and TeleHealth

Organization: University of Utah

Tad A. Morley has worked for the University of Utah Health since March 2013. In his current role, he oversees the business operations of University of Utah Health’s regional network development and digital health. He and his team work with physicians, hospitals, payers, and employers to deliver coordinated and collaborative health care.

Areas of Expertise: Business & Network Development, Strategy, Operations, Digital Health

---

AARON FANELLO – Practice Administrator

Organization: Intermountain Healthcare

I graduated from the University of Utah in 2018 with an MHA degree. I completed an administrative fellowship with Intermountain Healthcare and am currently working as a Practice Director in the Medical Group.

Areas of Expertise: Operations, Strategy, Clinic Management

---

LISA VITKUS, FACHE – Operations Officer, Service Lines

Organization: Intermountain Healthcare

Lisa Vitkus is the Operations Officer for Service Lines at Primary Children’s Hospital. She is responsible for strategic leadership, program development, financial stewardship, and operational outcomes of all pediatric service lines at Primary Children’s Hospital. She has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare administration including leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, and Stanford Medical Center. Lisa has a BA in Psychology from Northwestern University, an MPH in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. She is board certified in healthcare administration as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Areas of Expertise: Healthcare Operations, Service Line Development, Strategy, Medical Practice Management

---

ISCHA JENSEN, FACHE – Director, Planning & Operations

Organization: University of Utah

Healthcare Leader with 17 years experience, currently serving as Director of Planning and Operations for University of Utah Health. I strive to lead via influence and trust while incorporating tactile tools and skills to lead teams to great outcomes. Most recently lead the operationalization of a 140 million dollar hospital expansion.

Areas of Expertise: Operations, Project and Program Management, Revenue Cycle, Strategy & Planning, Influential Leadership

---

CORBIN CATMULL – Associate Director of Clinical Operations

Organization: UnitedHealth Group

Outpatient services operator with experience in academic healthcare systems, the VA health system, and non-profit providers. Education includes a B.S. in Public Health and Administration with a Masters in Health Care Management from The Johns Hopkins University. Currently providing operational leadership and oversight for Optum’s Primary Care market in Utah.

Areas of Expertise: Health care Management, Outpatient Operations, Financial Management, Behavioral Health, Primary Care Strategy, Leadership Development

---

ZACH SMITH– Continuous Improvement Manager

Organization: Intermountain Healthcare

Zach is currently the Continuous Improvement Manager for Intermountain’s Central Salt Lake Geography. In this role, he oversees the adoption of Intermountain’s Operating Model, coaches leaders on Strategy Deployment, facilitates educational courses, and partners with leaders on process improvement. Previously, Zach was a clinic manager where he oversaw operations, growth, patient satisfaction, and culture development.

Areas of Expertise: Continuous Improvement, Process Improvement, Coaching, Effective Communication, Team Engagement, and Teaching.

---

DAREN WELLS, FACHE – Chief Executive Officer

Organization: HCA

Daren Wells currently serves as the Cache Valley Hospital Chief Executive Officer, in HCA’s Mountain Division (MountainStar). He has worked in four different markets across the US, in not-for profit and for profit healthcare systems. He received his BS from BYU, and his MHSA from The George Washington University.

Areas of Expertise: Acute Care Management and Leadership, Physician Relations, Strategy, Planning, and Hospital Outpatient Operations

---

MARK SHAHATA – Business Operations Manager

Organization: University of Utah

Mark currently serves as a Business Operations Manager at University of Utah Health within their Patient Support Services Dept. Prior to this role, Mark was the Administrative Fellow for University of Utah Health – Hospitals and Clinics. Mark bleeds U of U red and has earned both his MHA and undergraduate degree from the University of Utah.

Areas of Expertise: Operations, Patient Experience and Satisfaction, Strategy and Planning, Provider Relations, Resource Management

---

Chris Shirley – Director, Support Services

Organization: University of Utah

Chris has worked for Utah Health since 1999, starting in patient access, financial counseling and bed control. Currently he is a Director of Support Services. He oversees the hospital gift shop, valets, EVS, linens and patient transport. His undergraduate degree and Masters in Public Administration were both earned at the U.

Areas of Expertise: Customer Service, Wellness, Inpatient Operations, Patient Experience, Strategy and Planning

---

CYNTHIA CHESWORTH – Practice Administrator

Organization: Ogden Clinic

Experienced healthcare administrator with a demonstrated history of successfully working in the hospital and medical group management. Strong advocate for innovation, fostering team engagement, business operations of multi-specialty medical groups, leadership and provider relations.

Areas of Expertise: Healthcare Leadership, Operations and Medical Group Management

---

DARYL HUGGARD, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, CHFP – Administrative Director

Organization: University of Utah

Direct operational efficiency and growth of Community focused Academic Medical Group consisting of 185 Primary Care (Family Med, Internal Med, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine/Pediatrics) and Urgent Care providers in 10 clinics located in 6 counties along the Wasatch Front. Provide leadership oversight for 20 Licensed Clinical Social Workers embedded in community-based clinics as part of practice-based Integrated Behavioral Health.

Areas of Expertise: Medical Practice Management, Physician Relations, Finance, Budgeting, Primary Care, Behavioral Health Integration, Billing, Compensation, Population Health

---

KURT FORSYTH, FACHE – Hospital Administrator

Organization: Intermountain Healthcare

Critical Access Hospital CEO/Administrator since 2020. Previously Director of Physician services at Critical Access Hospital in Southeast Nebraska 2015-2020, including population health, community outreach, service line development, and telehealth. Also worked in for-profit community hospitals and clinics in Layton and Salt Lake City from 2010-2015. MHA From Weber State University, Bachelors Business Administration from UofU.

Areas of Expertise: Hospital Operations, Business Development, Employee Engagement, Population Health, Clinic Management, Physician Relations, Recruitment, LEAN, Continuous Improvement

---

LISA PALETTA, FACHE – Hospital Administrator

Organization: Primary Children’s

Lisa is the Hospital Administrator for the new Primary Children’s Miller Campus in Lehi. Lisa joined Intermountain Healthcare in 1994 and has served in various caregiver and progressive leadership positions throughout the organization.  Her leadership roles have included Department Manager, Service Line Director, Operations Officer/Nurse Administrator, Regional Chief Nursing Officer, AVP Enterprise Care Management, and CEO/Administrator at Intermountain Healthcare’s Alta View Hospital. 

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from University of Utah, ADN from Laramie County Community College, BSNA from Stevens-Henagar College, MPA from Brigham Young University, and DNP from Rush University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has received Nurse Executive Advanced Certification. She is a past-president of the Utah Organization of Nurse Leaders and the current Utah Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Areas of Expertise: Healthcare Leadership, Hospital Administration, Operations, Strategy, Process Improvement, Employee Engagement, Patient and Family-centered care

---

DAVID RAY, MBA – Chief Operating Officer

Organization: Tanner Clinic

David Ray is an accomplished and results-driven professional with a wealth of experience in healthcare operations. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Tanner Clinic, he oversees the clinic’s financial, operational, and medical support processes, ensuring optimal efficiency and excellence in patient care.

David’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Utah. (David does cheer for both schools but for three hours a year, during football season, he roots for BYU football.)  Prior to his current role, he held the position of administrative director for the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

Throughout his career, David has been actively involved in academia and has contributed significantly to the field. He has showcased his expertise through the presentation and publication of over 20 academic papers and presentations. His work has focused on crucial areas such as quality, efficiency, value, and clinical operations, earning him recognition as a leader in the industry.

Beyond his professional pursuits, David finds inspiration in his personal life. Originally from Arizona, he relocated to Utah, captivated by the state’s awe-inspiring outdoors. He draws strength and motivation from his loving wife and five children, who reside with him in Davis County. 

David maintains active memberships in esteemed professional organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, Utah Healthcare Executive Member, and Utah Medical Group Management Association. Additionally, he serves as a guest lecturer for Utah Valley University, where he shares his knowledge and insights with aspiring healthcare professionals.

Complementing his education and experience, David is a Lean Six Sigma practitioner, emphasizing his commitment to process improvement and operational excellence. His areas of specialization encompass clinical operations, strategic planning, and team management, where he consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and an ability to drive positive outcomes.

In his leisure time, David indulges his passion for nature by seeking out remote locations for hiking and exploration such as Coyote Gulch, Leprechaun Canyon, and Sulphur Creek.  David enjoys fostering valuable family experiences by exploring the outdoors with his family, playing board games with his children, and talking with his children by the campfire. He also finds solace in reading non-fiction books such as Essentialism and any self-improvement book.  David dedicates himself to making a positive impact on the lives of others which is why his favorite movie is “It is a Wonderful Life”.  David volunteers as a school board member at a charter school and as a mentor for 8–9-year-old boys.

---

LENNY LYONS, MBA, FACHE – Hospital Administrator

Organization: Intermountain Health

Lenny is the Hospital Administrator for Orem Community Hospital. Lenny joined Intermountain in 1995 and has served in various leadership positions throughout the organization. Received his BS from the University of Utah and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. 

Areas of Expertise: Healthcare Leadership, Operations, Strategy, Relationships, Employee Engagement, and Process Improvement. 

---

Mike Powers, MBA, AAMIF, CHTM, CDP – Director of Field Service Operations for Healthcare Technology Management

Organization: Intermountain Health

Mike is a Director who provides oversight to a team of experts that provide preventative and reactionary service to capital equipment.  He is passionate about standards writing, cybersecurity of medical equipment, developing the next generation of talent, and giving back to the community.  

He works on and has led several task groups for the Health Sector Coordinating Council (advising HHS on Cybersecurity) including Model Contract Language for Cybersecurity and Legacy Medical Device Cybersecurity.  He is Vice Chair of the AAMI Healthcare Technology Leadership Committee.  He co-leads the Education Committee for the American College of Clinical Engineering.  Mike is on the IAMERS Board of Directors.  He is a Certified Diversity Professional & Certified Healthcare Technology Manager.

Areas of Expertise:  Business & Operational Strategy, Career Planning, Project Management, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (including the Business Case for such), Standards Writing, Internal Marketing & Stakeholder Management, Technology – AI to Imaging Equipment to Cybersecurity