Opal Howard Appointed as Senior VP and Chief HR Officer at Adventist HealthCare

Adventist HealthCare Names Opal Howard as Senior VP and Chief Human Resources Officer

On October 1, 2026, Adventist HealthCare made an exciting announcement regarding a key leadership appointment. Opal Howard has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. This strategic decision underscores the organization’s commitment to enhance its human resources strategies across the health system.

Howard joins the Adventist HealthCare senior leadership team, bringing over 30 years of invaluable experience in human resources, predominantly at AdventHealth. Her extensive background holds significant promise for the future of Adventist HealthCare, particularly in fostering a robust workplace culture and aligning workforce initiatives with overarching organizational goals.

John Sackett, the President and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, lauded Howard’s mission-driven leadership, noting her impressive track record in culture building, team development, and workforce innovation. “Opal is an accomplished leader who has consistently demonstrated her capacity to strengthen organizational culture and enhance team engagement,” said Sackett. “Her strategic perspective and passion for supporting our team members make her the ideal candidate for this role.”

Howard's previous experience includes serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, where she managed workforce strategies for over 12,000 employees. Her leadership was pivotal in aligning workforce strategies with clinical, operational, and financial goals, a holistic approach that is essential in today’s healthcare landscape.

Throughout her career, Howard held increasingly significant roles, including Vice President of HR Business Operations for AdventHealth's Central Florida Division, overseeing HR operations for over 36,000 employees. In her previous tenure as Vice President and HR Business Partner for AdventHealth's North Region, she spearheaded initiatives that notably reduced employee turnover and successfully transitioned to a new HR operating model.

Howard has also been instrumental in integrating human resources practices across various facilities, leading efforts to modernize HR technologies, and enhancing transparency and team member recognition. Her extensive experience and leadership in human resources have equipped her with profound insights into building effective workforce solutions.

Academically, Howard holds a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management and a Bachelor of Science in human resources from Western Governors University. She is also recognized as a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

In her initial remarks about her new role, Howard expressed her enthusiasm for joining Adventist HealthCare and her dedication to strengthening the organization’s culture. “I am honored to join Adventist HealthCare and work with such a dedicated team. I look forward to supporting our people and advancing strategies to enable our team members to excel in their roles,” she stated.

Adventist HealthCare has a rich history, serving the Washington, D.C., area since 1907. As a leading faith-based healthcare system, it is renowned for its commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate whole-person care. The organization’s network comprises various healthcare services, including hospitals, rehabilitation services, home care, and specialized centers, reflecting its mission of extending God's care through the ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing.

As of Spring 2026, Adventist HealthCare stands out not just for its comprehensive care but also for its commitment to patient safety, being recognized as the only health system in Maryland with all acute care hospitals receiving an 'A' Safety Rating from Leapfrog. This achievement highlights the organization’s focus on quality and safety, essential in the ever-evolving healthcare environment.

In conclusion, Opal Howard's appointment is anticipated to significantly impact Adventist HealthCare’s overall workforce strategy. Her proven leadership abilities and commitment to team engagement position the organization well to continue its tradition of excellence in providing whole-person care to the communities it serves.