AdventHealth Orlando names new CEO, and other leaders take new roles.
Nicki Tessler has been named president of Lifepoint Health’s behavioral health division.
Nicki Tessler
Tessler began in her new role as president of Lifepoint Behavioral Health June 30. She oversees 25 behavioral health hospitals.
“I’m delighted to join the Lifepoint team during such an important time of growth for both the behavioral health line of business and for the company,” Tessler said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with all of our behavioral health leaders and dedicated team members as we work to advance our mission of making communities healthier.”
Tessler came to Lifepoint from BeMe Health, a digital behavioral health company where she was CEO and co-founder. She previously held leadership roles at Universal Health Services and HCA Healthcare in Florida.
Jason Zachariah, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lifepoint Health, called Tessler “a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of behavioral health and hospital operations.”
“With an infectious energy for collaboration, growth and innovation, Nicki will be a strong addition to the Lifepoint team,” Zachariah said in a statement.
Abel Biri
AdventHealth Orlando names new CEO
Abel Biri has been named the CEO of AdventHealth Orlando, the flagship hospital campus of the AdventHealth system.
Biri succeeds Rob Deininger, who was recently appointed president/CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth.
He spent eight years as CEO of AdventHealth Waterman. Bibi also served as chief operating officer of AdventHealth Waterman and of AdventHealth Orlando.
“This opportunity to return to Orlando and lead such a remarkable team is a humbling honor,” Biri said in a statement. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and continuing to deliver faith-based, whole-person care that uplifts our communities and honors the legacy of healing we’ve been entrusted with.”
Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North Market, called Bibi “a purpose-driven leader who keeps patient care front and center.”
“His leadership not only reflects a deep commitment to our mission, but to building stronger, healthier communities, which makes him the right person to guide AdventHealth Orlando into its next chapter of delivering exceptional, whole-person care,” Vargas said in a statement.
Jita Pandya Buño
UW Medical Center gets new CEO
Jita Pandya Buño has been named the new chief executive officer of UW Medical Center in Seattle.
Buño will begin her new role on September 1, 2025. She succeeds Cindy Hecker, who is retiring in July.
“UW Medical Center is one of the world’s foremost academic health centers,” Buño said in a news release. “I’m honored to join an organization that’s known for outstanding patient care, deep community roots, and a strong sense of purpose.”
Buño also said that she is anxious to work to improve health equity in the medical center and boost the patient experience. She joins UW Medicine from UC Davis Health.
Brad Simmons, president of UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics and senior vice president for medical affairs, will be the acting CEO until Buño joins the system in September.
“Jita is a remarkable person and an exceptional leader,” Simmons said in a news release.
Jita Pandya Buño
Deborah Heart and Lung Center selects new CIO
Ralph Porpora has been named the new vice president of information services and chief information officer at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in New Jersey.
Porpora brings more than 25 years of leadership in healthcare technology to his new role.
Most recently, he served as hospital systems director at Grand View Health. He also previously worked at Hunterdon Health, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Hartman Executive Advisors.
Jim Andrews, president and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center, said Porpora’s experience will help improve the organization’s patient care.
“Ralph’s proven track record of aligning technology with patient care goals and his visionary leadership in IT strategy make him an exceptional addition to the Deborah executive team,” Andrews said in a statement.
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