CEO Today Healthcare Awards

51 www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today Healthcare Awards 2018 USA FIRM PROFILE VITAS® Healthcare, a pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, is the nation’s largest provider of end-of-life care. Our name is derived from the Latin word for “lives” and symbolizes the VITAS mission: to preserve the quality of life for those who have a limited time to live. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS operates 44 hospice locations in 14 states and the District of Columbia. VITAS has enjoyed dynamic growth since its founding as a volunteer organization by a United Methodist minister and an oncology nurse. Today, VITAS employs 11,490 professionals who care for terminally ill patients daily-primarily in the patients’ homes, and also in the company’s inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities. VITAS team members include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, home health aides, physicians, social workers, chaplains and other caregiving professionals. History: VITAS was founded in 1978 as Hospice Care Inc., one of the nation’s first hospice programs. But our story really begins in 1976, when Hugh A. Westbrook, an ordained United Methodist minister, and Esther T. Colliflower, a registered nurse, saw a void in the treatment of people with terminal illnesses. In the more than 30 years since Hugh and Esther formed their partnership, we have continued to be a leader in the American hospice movement. We remain committed to finding and closing gaps in treatment. VITAS works to ensure that terminally ill patients and their families of all walks of life have ready access to compassionate and effective end-of-life care. As a hospice pioneer, VITAS was instrumental in leading a bipartisan effort to add hospice to the healthcare payment system. As a result of these efforts, Medicare pays for hospice services. Many states have established Medicaid coverage for hospice, and virtually all private insurers and managed care plans provide coverage for hospice care. Today, VITAS is America’s leading provider of end-of-life care, working in cooperation with hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, assisted living communities, insurers and community-based organizations throughout the nation. NICK WESTFALL CEO of VITAS® Healthcare ABOUT NICK WESTFALL Nick Westfall brings more than 13 years of healthcare and professional service experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer. He joined VITAS in 2012 after working for Chemed Corporation. Nick joined Chemed Corporation in 2009 as Director of Information Technology and Operations. He has been responsible for handling strategic planning and oversight of operations and information technology. Prior to joining Chemed, Nick was a Senior Manager at Deloitte and Touche LLP, responsible for providing consulting services to clients primarily in healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications and professional services industries. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Dayton in Ohio and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. “Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS operates 44 hospice locations in 14 states and the District of Columbia.”