Wellstar Health System Welcomes Ketul J. Patel as New CEO and President

On July 8, 2025, Wellstar Health System made a significant announcement that marks a new chapter in its commitment to health care excellence. The Wellstar Board of Trustees revealed the selection of Ketul J. Patel as the new president and chief executive officer (CEO). Patel brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and the president of the Pacific Northwest Region of CommonSpirit Health.

Patel is set to assume his new role in late October, succeeding Candice L. Saunders, who has decided to retire following a distinguished career with Wellstar. Saunder's leadership has been credited with numerous accomplishments, and she has been instrumental in positioning Wellstar as a leading health care provider in the Southeast.

A Transformational Leader

In announcing Patel's appointment, Frank Ros, former chair of the Wellstar Board of Trustees, expressed confidence in Patel's ability to lead the organization through transformational growth. He emphasized that Patel stood out among nearly 200 candidates considered for the position, demonstrating remarkable dedication to team members, patients, and the broader community.

In his previous role, Patel oversaw 12 hospitals, over 300 patient care locations, and a workforce of 20,000 team members. Notably, in January 2021, he successfully led the merger of two prominent health organizations in the Pacific Northwest, resulting in the formation of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), now recognized as one of Washington State's largest and most reputable health care providers. Under his stewardship, VMFH consistently earned top grades in patient safety, underscoring his commitment to quality care.

Patel also initiated the VMFH Care Network, designed to offer vital expertise to independent hospitals and health systems across five states, enhancing access to essential services. His leadership extends to overseeing the esteemed Benaroya Research Institute, which focuses on autoimmune disease research, and the Bailey-Boushay House, a pioneering program catering to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Looking Toward the Future

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Wellstar, Patel stated, "It’s an honor to join the Wellstar team and contribute to its mission of delivering compassionate, world-class care to every individual, every time." He acknowledged the firm foundation built by Saunders and her executive team, which positions Wellstar as a frontrunner in the health care landscape of the Southeast.

Patel's vision highlights the organization's ongoing investment in technology and innovation. He believes that strategic partnerships with academic institutions, such as the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, will further enhance Wellstar's reputation as an exemplary place to work.

On a personal note, Patel looks forward to becoming actively engaged in the metro Atlanta community and collaborating with policymakers to expand health care access across Georgia.

Recognized three times on Modern Healthcare's list of the 100 most influential people in health care, Patel's exemplary leadership is evident in his various roles. He chairs the Washington State Hospital Association board and previously served as chair of the Greater Seattle Partners executive council. Furthermore, he has contributed to organizations like Washington Roundtable and Challenge Seattle.

Patel holds master's degrees in health and business administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor's degree from Johns Hopkins University. As he embarks on this new journey with Wellstar, both the Board and community members eagerly anticipate the innovations and improvements his leadership will bring.

Commitment to PeopleCare

Wellstar is dedicated to personalizing the patient experience, a philosophy they call PeopleCare. With over 33,000 team members, Wellstar provides compassionate and expert care throughout all life stages. In addition, as a nonprofit health system, Wellstar is committed to giving back to its communities, contributing over $1 billion annually in charity care and community programs.

With advancing technology, nurturing early-stage companies, and collaborating with educational institutions, Wellstar aims to redefine health care provision and solidify its status as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

For more details about Ketul J. Patel's vision and leadership, visit Wellstar’s official website.