UP HEALTH SYSTEM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Vice President of Operations
Alyson started with Marquette General Hospital in 1985 and has worked in the Lab, Medical Records, and EMS as a licensed paramedic and instructor with the School of EMT. She spent five years working as a civilian with the Air Force as a site manager and safety engineer on many Air Force Base conversion and hazardous waste restoration projects. She started as the hospital's risk and safety director in 2005. She moved to the director of risk management and compliance until 2021 when she became the market director of risk management for UP Health System-Bell, Marquette and Portage. She has worked with all hospitals and EMS agencies throughout the Upper Peninsula since 2002 on collaborative emergency preparedness programs. She is a member of the MDHHS Emergency Medical Services Coordination Committee and is a Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) representative on the State's Legislative Subcommittee.
In her free time, she enjoys carpentry and woodworking, traveling, and spending time on the water in the summer with her family.
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Medical Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the UP Campus Team
- Clinical Experience Liaison and Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Brandi Rivest was born and raised in the Copper Country and has been with UPHS - Portage for 18 years, and has worked in various staff and leadership roles, originally starting in Registration. In 2017, Brandi transitioned into the Human Resources office, but in 2021 transitioned to Risk & Compliance until returning back to HR in March of 2022 as the new Director.
Job Titles:
- Residency Program Director
Casey Baird, BSN, RN, CPPS has worked for UPHS-Portage for a total of six and a half years, where she has worked in various staff and leadership roles, including Case Management, Family Birthing Center Coordinator, and finally her current position of Director of Quality and Infection Prevention. Casey has over 16 years of experience in healthcare. Casey is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and is the designated Patient Safety Officer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- CNO
- Market Chief Nursing Officer, UP Health System Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, UP Health System - Marquette
Christine joined UP Health System in May 2021, bringing to the organization over 25 years of progressive leadership and management experience in nursing, patient services and business operations in hospital settings large and small, urban and rural.
Christine has served as CNO in both New York and Pennsylvania as well as Assistant Vice President of Nursing at Montefiore University Hospital in the Bronx, and Associate Nursing Officer at Upstate University Hospital Community Campus in Syracuse, NY. Christine has also worked as a Heart Center Director and a Practice Administrator for a group of cardiac surgeons.
Christine earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Vermont College of Norwich University. She then earned her Master's in Nursing from the University of Vermont and her Master's in Business Administration from DeSales University in Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Member of the UP Campus Team
- Community Clerkship and Education Assistant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Governing Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- CENP / Chief Nursing Officer
Deb Young, MSN, RN, CENP is a seasoned nurse executive and prioritizes quality patient experiences and outcomes, as well as improving staff professional development, education, and support. Her experience includes positions as Vice President of Patient Services and CNO for UP Health System - Portage (over 30 years), as well as Interim CNO and Executive Nurse Consultant at another LifePoint hospital in Tennessee. Deb also plays an important role as a volunteer board member for the Omega House, a residential care facility, providing a home-like environment for end-of-life care. Deb's educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Deb is also certified in Executive Nursing Practice through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Patient Family Advisory Board Member
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
- Member of the UP Campus Team
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Medical Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governing Board
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
Henrietta joined UP Health System - Marquette in May 2022 and is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Concord University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Henrietta brings extensive experience in private practice, local and regional levels with multiple public accounting firms, as well as serving in a number of CFO roles, including Twin County Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint Hospital in Virginia. Her national experience in hospital management includes tours with community health systems in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas and Florida.
Her past professional affiliations include the American Institute of CPAs and the public steering committee for the Virginia Society of CPAs.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Member of the Governing Board
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Business Office Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Medical Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Medical Staff Member
Born and raised in the UP, Hanson loves snowshoeing, camping, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with family. She attended Northern Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2004. Before being appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Hanson served as the Interim Chief Nursing Officer, the Director of Emergency Services, and the Director of Care Management. She spent her early healthcare career at Bell, as a Registered Nurse, Acute Care Unit & Intensive Care Unit, from May, 2004 to January of 2014. In addition to her degree from NMU, Hanson also earned a Master of Health Leadership in March, 2020, from Western Governors University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governing Board
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governing Board
Education:
Northern Michigan University
I've lived in the UP my whole life and I can't imagine calling anywhere else home. Marquette is beautiful year-round and I love how there truly is something for everyone. There is an abundance of things to do outdoors such as hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in Lake Superior, along with the countless snow activities, so no matter the season, you will always find something to do. Marquette also has a huge array of coffee shops, breweries, and amazing restaurants, as well as a ton of local shops and unique businesses. Marquette is an interesting mix of small town and big city, which makes it the perfect place to live.
Hobbies/ What I do outside of work:
In my free time I enjoy reading, trying new recipes, and planning the next vacation to take with my husband Tate. I'm very fortunate to live near my family, so I spend a lot of time with them having dinner, watching football, and enjoying the boat on the lake at our summer camp.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
- Member of the Greater Marquette
Board-certified in Family Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Dr. Long is a long-time UP Health System physician, where she has been practicing for more than 23 years. She brings extensive medical expertise and clinical leadership experience having held roles such as Chief of Staff, Section Chair for the Department of Family Medicine, and faculty physician for the UPHS - Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program through Michigan State University.
Dr. Long earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Michigan State University (Lyman Briggs), a Medical Doctorate from the University of Michigan Medical School, and completed her residency program in family medicine at Marquette General Hospital (now UP Health System - Marquette), where she was Chief Resident for two years. Years later, she completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Her professional memberships include the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, and the Michigan State Medical Society.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Long oversees the medical operations of the hospital and ensures patients and staff are cared for with the utmost quality and safety. She also acts as the primary liaison between medical staff and administrators and helps with medical staff recruitment, retention, and professional growth.
Outside of work, Dr. Long is an active member of the greater Marquette community and enjoys hiking, gardening, kayaking, beekeeping, camping, and spending quality time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Team
- Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
Meg joined UP Health System - Marquette in early 2023 and is the Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Science in Nursing through Chamberlain College of Nursing's Executive Leadership program. She has also been accepted into the Doctor of Nursing program, also at Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Meg joins us from Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) in Clyde, NC, where she was the Director of the Intensive Care Unit, Respiratory Therapy, Cardiac Rehab, and Inpatient Hemodialysis. In her role, Meg managed a team of nearly 100 staff members, leading them to provide the highest quality and standards of care, while fostering an environment that encouraged positivity and growth. Prior to her time HRMC, Meg held various nurse leadership positions at several Ohio hospitals, where she focused mostly on emergency and critical care medicine.
She's a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and was a recipient of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award in 2022, which recognizes nurse leaders who provide exceptional compassionate leadership and create an environment of care that truly makes a difference in the lives of staff, patients, and families.
Job Titles:
- Director of Physician Practices
Michelle Palomaki is the Director of Physician Practices and has been an employee at UP Health System - Bell for over 22 years.
Michelle is currently enrolled at The University of Phoenix for her Bachelor's in Business Management. She is also Certified in Medical Office and Terminology, president of the GINCC board, and a Lake Superior Leadership Academy Board Member.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
- Secretary of the Governing Board
Mitch Leckelt is the Chief Executive Officer of UP Health System - Bell. He assumed his role in July of 2014.
Mr. Leckelt holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). With 20 plus years of training and experience in hospital administration in Louisiana and Michigan, Mr. Leckelt has led his team at UPHS - Bell to the highest of standards.
UPHS - Bell is recognized for quality and providing safe patient care. In Mr. Leckelt's tenure at UPHS - Bell, he has driven his team to become Joint Commission Accredited, a Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care Chest Pain Center of Excellence, and Accreditation with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Mr. Leckelt is passionate about being true to LifePoint's mission; Making Communities Healthier.
Job Titles:
- Community Member
- Medical Staff Member
Peter Camilli joined UP Health System in June 2020 and is the Regional Vice President of Physician Services. In his role, he oversees strategic operations for the clinics and physician practices of UP Health System's three hospitals.
A servant leader with a wealth of physician practice administrative experience, Peter has held previous roles across the Midwest, including Director of Clinic Operations at Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group in Waterloo, IA, and Administrative Director of Medical and Surgical Specialties at Ascension Medical Group in Milwaukee, WI. Additionally, Peter is an active member of the Medical Group Management Association and is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Upper Peninsula Education Corporation.
Peter's educational portfolio includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, and a Master of Arts in Geography and Geographic Information Systems from the University of Oklahoma.
Education:
BS, Business Administration, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Associates Degree - Administrative Assistant - Office Information Specialist, Davenport College, Grand Rapids, MI
What I love about working at the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program?
I first began with the program in 2005 as an administrative secretary. Over that time,I enjoyed working with residents and faculty. Seeing residents grow both personally and professionally was a highlight of my job. Also seeing some of our own residents mature into faculty roles has been an added bonus. In 2017, I became the program coordinator which has allowed me to work even closer with the residents. Encouraging them in their medicine journey is something that brings me joy.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Blood Collections
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Ryan Heinonen, MBA, MSN, RN, CPPS, has worked in various staff and leadership roles since starting at UPHS - Portage in 2010. Heinonen received his Associate's Degree of Nursing from Gogebic Community College, Bachelors of Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership, and Masters of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. He is also a Certified Professional of Patient Safety by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, as well as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the UP Campus Team
- Community Assistant Dean / CEO of the Upper Peninsula Education Corporation
Job Titles:
- Member of the UP Campus Team
- Student Programs Administrator for Upper Peninsula Clinical Campus
Job Titles:
- Member of the UP Campus Team
- Community Clerkship & Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Tami Ketchem is the Director of Human Resources and Environmental Services and has worked at UP Health System - Bell for 25 ½ years.
Tami holds an Associate's Degree in Business from Northern Michigan University. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and an Ishpeming I.C.E. Board Member. Tami also plans to sit for the SHRM-SCP Exam.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Benefits Manager
- Finance
- Member of the UP Campus Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Teresa Perry is the Chief Financial Officer and has worked at UP Health System - Bell for nearly 13 years.
Teresa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Michigan Technological University and a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Capella University. Teresa is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety and Certified Healthcare Finance Professional. She is a member of the Bell Auxiliary Board, Small Rural Hospital Council (MHA), Behavioral Health Council (MHA), Membership Committee (ACHE) and Education Committee (ACHE).
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Member of the Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Executive Team
- Secretary of the Board of Trustees
Tonya is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for UP Health System - Marquette. Tonya previously served in progressive leadership roles at UP Health System - Marquette before returning as COO in October 2021. Tonya is a proven leader with 25 years of experience in medical practice management and healthcare administration, successfully overseeing operations of complex clinical teams, budgets and overall care for large volumes of patients.
Tonya served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, eventually becoming the 4th Medical Operations Squadron Superintendent in 2007. After retiring from the military, Tonya managed operations for several busy medical practices in the Marquette area through progressive leadership roles at UP Health System - Marquette; including Senior Director of neurosciences, imaging and on-call specialists service lines, and Director of Regional Operations for neurosciences, occupational medicine, behavioral health, pediatric specialty clinics, and radiology service lines. Most recently, Tonya served as the COO for Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, WI.
Job Titles:
- PRh / Director of Physician Services
Tracey Bershing, R.Ph., MBA, has worked for UPHS - Portage since 2002, and has worked in various staff and leadership roles, including her dual role of Director of Inpatient Pharmacy and Director of Physician Services. Tracey received her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University and Masters of Business Administration from Michigan Technological University. She is also a member of the Michigan Pharmacist Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees