VITAS Makes C-Suite, EVP Promotions; Westfall Named Chairman

VITAS Healthcare is making changes in its c-suite and executive team.

COO Joel Wherely will now also serve as VITAS’ president, the company announced today. Bryan Wysong, currently senior vice president of operational performance, will step in as executive vice president of operations. CEO Nick Westfall has been appointed the company’s chairman.

“VITAS Healthcare continues to experience tremendous success and, as we keep growing, so do the opportunities and recognition for our leadership,” Westfall told Hospice News in an email. “As CEO (and now chairman, as well), I am constantly focused on our strategic vision and working with both our leadership and entire organization to execute our mission-focused efforts to deliver the most compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families across the country. I’m very proud of Joel, Bryan and the other VITAS leaders we’ve recently recognized for their continued part in helping elevate our organization.”

Westfall came to VITAS in 2012 as senior vice president of field operations. Three years later, he was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer. He became president and CEO in 2016.

As of 2020, Miami-based VITAS, a subsidiary of Chemed Corp (NYSE: CHE) is the nation’s largest hospice provider by market share, operating 50 locations in 14 states, according to LexisNexis. Through the third quarter of 2023, the company’s 10,443 employees cared for 19,047 patients daily, with revenues reaching $334 million.

Wherley, now VITAS’ president as well as COO, will oversee day-to-day field operations, clinical services, business development and physicians’ leadership, according to a press release.

Previously, Wherley has held executive roles in several home-based care companies, including American HomePatient, Hospice Advantage and Gentiva. He is a board member for the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Wysong joined the company in 2014 as an internal management consultant, going on to several other leadership positions. Most recently as senior vice president of operational performance. 

In addition to his current job responsibilities, Wysong will now oversee the VITAS home medical equipment division, palliative care entities and the hospice provider’s admissions team.

Before coming to VITAS, he held senior leadership positions at Capital One and Deloitte. He has also served on National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization committees and work groups, including the Quality and Standards Committee.

These promotions follow four new executive appointments earlier this month and three others last November.

“These promotions reflect our organization’s deep commitment to develop talent and empower our leaders to continue to elevate the care and comfort we provide to our patients and their caregivers,” Westfall said in a statement. “Since hiring both Joel and Bryan to VITAS, they have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to our mission, and I’m confident that they will continue to drive innovation and excellence in their expanded roles.”