On rotation: June 2026

Each month, we compile a roundup of noteworthy leadership changes across hospitals, health tech, and pharmaceutical companies—and June was, frankly, a doozy.

The first month of summer saw a few surprising and dramatic leadership switch-ups.

Let’s get into it!

Have a job announcement to share? Drop Caroline an email at [email protected].

Madeline Bell. After nearly 40 years at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and 11 years as CEO, Bell is retiring on Oct. 1. Bell shared her plans to retire in 2024 and will be succeeded by CHOP’s current president, Joseph Mitchell. He joined in April 2025 in preparation for this transition, per a June 23 press release.

Jill Biden. We never thought we’d see this name on the list! The former First Lady has joined the board of directors at biotech Willow Laboratories, the company announced June 12. Willow’s focus is extending lifespans and healthspans.

Dave Caspers. On June 2, Tennessee-based healthcare system Ardent Health abruptly announced that previous CEO Marty Bonick had left “to pursue other opportunities.” Caspers, its previous COO, replaced him effective immediately.

Michael Cuffe. Nashville, Tennessee-based HCA Healthcare is cutting ties with its EVP and chief clinical officer, the company shared in a June 15 SEC filing. He’ll leave the position on Aug. 31 and will serve in a transitional role until February 2027.

Paulo Fontoura. Biopharma Sanofi selected the Roche alum to replace Houman Ashrafian as global EVP and head of R&D, effective Sept. 1, the company shared on June 22.

Andrew Gengos. Same title, new company! Gengos will become CFO of late-stage clinical oncology company Immuneering Corporation. Previously, he served as CFO and head of corporate development at Terns Pharmaceuticals, which Merck acquired in one of the largest healthcare deals of the year. Immuneering announced the appointment on June 15, and Gengos will take the helm on July 16.

Adam Gridley. Biotech Vergent Bioscience announced Adam Gridley as its new president and CEO on June 9. He’s succeeding company co-founder John Santini, who is now chief technology officer.

Reese Jackson. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare announced June 1 that Jackson was no longer CEO and president. The Virginian-Pilot reported that he was terminated “without cause” and received an undisclosed severance payout.

Omar Lateef. The current president and CEO of Chicago-based Rush University System for Health and Rush University Medical Center will retire in June 2027, the system announced June 25. A search for the next leader will begin in early fall.

John Neil. Current CEO of Arizona-based healthcare system HonorHealth, Todd LaPorte, is stepping down from the role after more than a decade. Neil—EVP, chief physician executive, and chief strategy officer—has now been appointed president and will take over as CEO on March 1, 2027, according to a June 16 HonorHealth release.

Jamie Sharp. Value-based kidney-care startup Strive Health announced Sharp as its chief medical officer on June 16. She came to the company after nearly three years in the same role at dementia-care platform Rippl.