Executive Leadership

Liz is a registered dietitian and holds a master’s degree in Business and Computer Resource Management. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, she served as community chief executive officer for Providence Health & Services in South Bay, California. After 10 years active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Liz served 10 years in the reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. She is the first lay woman leader of the PeaceHealth system and is committed to our legacy of enabling the well-being of communities.

Richard has more than 25 years of progressive, not-for-profit, mission-based healthcare leadership experience in hospital and clinic operations and strategic development. He brings a deep understanding of healthcare operations, clinical excellence and community health and wellness to PeaceHealth. The epitome of a servant leader, Richard has robust experience in senior administrative roles as well as clinical experience. Most recently, he served as COO of the University of California, San Francisco’s Benioff Children’s Hospital in the San Francisco Bay area.

Mike offers more than 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry. He’s worked with major healthcare clients across the country, helping them grow and transform to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Mike oversees PeaceHealth’s strategy, business development, philanthropy, community benefit and health, and strategic joint alliances and health ventures. Bringing these groups together enables greater collaboration between PeaceHealth and our community partners.

Steve is a proven executive with more than 25 years of experience developing and leading high-performing teams across multiple industries. He joined PeaceHealth in 2013 as vice president for information systems technology governance. As a valued, servant leader with a strong track record of building effective relationships, Steve oversees PeaceHealth’s Mission Services and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion divisions. He also oversees the Project Management Office, Facilities/Security, Planning and Development, Supply Chain and Technology Solutions Partners divisions. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Portland State University, as well as Project Management Institute training.

Darrin brings nearly 30 years of healthcare experience to PeaceHealth, with an exceptional record of leadership success encompassing strategy, operations and finance for integrated health systems. He oversees PeaceHealth’s long-term financial and growth strategies. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, Darrin served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Darrin earned an MBA from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, as well as a bachelor’s degree in economics/business from the University of California – Los Angeles.

Sarah is an award-winning executive leader with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. Having spent most of her professional career dedicated to PeaceHealth, Sarah has a deep understanding of the Mission and has proven herself to be a strategic, collaborative, pragmatic problem-solver, who delivers results with humility and transparency. Sarah is responsible for Caregiver Safety and Compliance, Human Resources, Recruitment, Engagement, Total Rewards, Organizational Integrity, Risk Management, Patient Experience and Marketing and Communications divisions as well as governance. Sarah holds an MBA from City University of Seattle and a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration and humanities from Seattle University. 

Dr. Foster’s dual focus on medicine and public health strongly aligns with PeaceHealth’s commitment to personal and community health. Dr. Foster received his education and medical training in the UK, including his residency in surgery, orthopedics and trauma and emergency care. He received a master’s degree in Public Health, Health Services Policy and Administration from Oregon State University and was recognized with their Master of Public Health Award for Leadership. Prior to joining PeaceHealth in 2014, Dr. Foster served for nine years at Providence Health & Services.

Sean has more than 16 years of proven healthcare executive leadership experience, which includes an impressive track record of developing and implementing strategy, creating growth opportunities and delivering results. He has consistently demonstrated success in working within large faith-based healthcare systems to grow hospital services and improve patient experience. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, he served as CEO of Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center in Florida.

Michelle is an experienced nurse executive, well respected across disciplines as a collaborative partner and a steadfast advocate for quality, safety and compassion in delivering the very best healthcare. With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, Michelle is focused on accelerating nursing excellence. Her nursing journey includes a diverse portfolio of clinical roles – from nursing homes to critical care units, from critical access hospitals to quaternary care referral centers. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washington Governors University and her master’s degrees in Management and Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Dr. Koekkoek is an accomplished clinical executive with deep ties to Eugene, Oregon. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, Dr. Koekkoek spent his career serving Providence Health and Services including as the system chief medical officer for the Physician Enterprise. Dr. Koekkoek earned his MD from Oregon Health & Science University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Oregon. Before transitioning to leadership roles, Dr. Koekkoek spent more than 20 years serving the Portland-metro area as a physician in Internal Medicine, Epidemiology, and Hospital medicine.

Charles brings nearly 30 years of healthcare experience to PeaceHealth, holding roles of increasing management and executive-level responsibility in healthcare settings ranging from small community hospitals to large, tertiary care facilities. A service-oriented leader who advocates for innovation, Charles is highly skilled in building and maintaining relationships with caregivers, providers and the community. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, Charles served as chief executive officer of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, California, a multi-campus hospital enterprise, part of Sutter Health, based in Sacramento. 

Todd Salnas has more than 25 years of proven and diverse experience in the healthcare industry – most of which have been in leadership positions with a focus on operational improvements, growth/referral strategies, process improvement, patient experience and clinical excellence. Most recently, he served as president for St. Joseph’s Health System in Sonoma County, California. Todd is Lean Green Belt-certified. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona, and a dual-degree master’s in business administration and health services administration from Arizona State University.