About Southwest Medical Center

Cherelle first joined PeaceHealth as the chief administrative officer of PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in 2017. Her unwavering strategic vision and leadership contributed to notable accomplishments including consecutive achievement of Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A, a decrease in serious safety events, and a strengthening of the hospital’s overall finances. Prior to PeaceHealth, Cherelle served as the regional vice president of Mercy Medical Center and the chief executive officer of Hansen Family Hospital in Iowa. Cherelle holds a master’s in social work which is where her extensive healthcare background began, later becoming a marriage and family therapist.

Anthony has served in hospital chaplaincy for more than a decade. Since joining PeaceHealth in early 2023, he has focused on providing counsel and leadership aimed at strengthening the fabric of our Mission, ministry, and core values into our culture. He joined us from Dignity Health in Bakersfield, California, where he served as manager of spiritual care and led the department in providing holistic spiritual care to patients, family and caregivers. Anthony holds a B.A. in Bible and Christian Ministry from Northwest Christian University in Eugene, Oregon and a Master of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, California. 

Debra Carnes joined PeaceHealth in 2017 and is responsible for leading the communications and marketing efforts of the Columbia Network. Debra brings more than 25 years of marketing, communications, and issues/crisis management experience to her role, including leadership and consultancy positions spanning both public and private sectors in the areas of education, state government, nonprofit, health care and law. Debra holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Idaho and an MBA with an emphasis in Managerial Leadership from City University of Seattle.  

Liz is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience at PeaceHealth.  Liz has served as a leader for hospital and clinic operations and led the development of many new and innovative programs in her time at PeaceHealth.  With experience in program design, quality improvement, and collaborative relationship-centered approach, she has successfully brought community partners together with PeaceHealth for positive outcomes.  In her current position since 2018 her role involves building and maintaining a network of public and private community partnerships with organizations to collaboratively address social determinants of health in both Longview and Vancouver.  Liz has a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in Nutrition from University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.

Tracey brings more than 20 years of healthcare finance experience to PeaceHealth, with an exceptional record of leadership success encompassing both finance and operations within integrated health systems. Prior to joining PeaceHealth, Tracey served as the chief financial officer for Providence, St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley, California. Tracey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Pete Mersereau joined PeaceHealth Southwest in early 2025 as Vice President of Surgical and Cardiovascular Services. An RN with over 25 years of healthcare experience, Pete brings a unique perspective shaped by his work as both a frontline caregiver and a strategic leader. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to advancing patient care, improving outcomes, and supporting teams in delivering high-quality, compassionate care.  Before assuming his current role, Pete served as Director of Emergency, Surgical, and Interventional Services at PeaceHealth St. John. Under his leadership, the team achieved notable improvements, including increased procedural volumes, reduced supply expenses, and higher patient and caregiver satisfaction.  Pete holds both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walden University.

Karen Santangelo joined PeaceHealth in 2019 and has leveraged her fundraising expertise to enhance internal systems and increase fundraising opportunities. Under her leadership, philanthropic support at PeaceHealth Southwest and St. John Medical Centers grew from $3 million in 2019 to $21 million in 2022. As a member of the PeaceHealth Leadership Council, she helps shape strategic philanthropic visions. Karen holds a bachelor's degree from Whitman College and brings more than 30 years of diverse fundraising experience, including significant roles in education and healthcare, notably raising up to $45 million annually as part of her leadership role at Providence Foundations in Oregon.

Tanya joined PeaceHealth in 2023, bringing more than two decades of experience to her role with demonstrated success in inspiring teams and optimizing performance through people-focused leadership. She is a trusted visionary leader with a collaborative style that fosters trust and engagement and promotes a patient-centered environment. Previously, Tanya served as Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer for Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, Oregon. Tanya holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Linfield Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Portland, a Master of Business Administration from George Fox University in Portland, and a Master of Science in Nursing, from Western Governors University.

Michael Skehan joined PeaceHealth Southwest in 2025 as Chief Operating Officer. With more than 20 years in healthcare, Michael is known for his highly collaborative and interactive leadership style that has successfully led to numerous initiatives to drive growth, improve quality and safety, increase revenue, and reduce operating expenses. Previously Michael held various leadership positions with Intermountain Health, including serving as Chief Operating Officer at St Joseph’s Hospital in Denver where he had direct responsibility for all surgical and procedural services. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wabash College and a Master of Public Administration from University of San Francisco.