Our Leadership Team
Sarah McSpadden, RN, MSN, MHA
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sarah McSpadden has more than 20 years of experience leading home health, post-acute medical care, palliative care, and hospice programs. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and on hospice and regulatory compliance committees at the state and national levels, including the Quality and Standards National Committee at NHPCO and the Education Committee of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA).
Sarah.Mcspadden@ehospice.org
760.737.2050 x 2634
Cheryl Farst
Chief Administrative Officer
Cheryl Farst oversees the company’s day-to-day executive office administrative activities including administrative functions related to the Board of Directors. She is responsible for the maintenance and services of the administrative offices to ensure that they meet the needs of the organization and its employees. As a member of The Elizabeth Hospice leadership team, Cheryl aids in developing and implementing business and strategic plans.
760.796.3703
Jean Loo-Russo
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Jean Loo-Russo has been working as a fundraising professional in the nonprofit industry for 15 years. She is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s philanthropic efforts. Jean serves on the Board of Directors for the North San Diego Business Chamber and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, North County Philanthropy Council, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary, and Escondido Charitable Foundation.
Jean.Loo-russo@ehospice.org
760.796.3744
Deena Nelson
Chief Financial Officer
Deena Nelson has more than 10 years of financial leadership experience in the hospice and palliative care industry. As Chief Financial Officer, she oversees financial operations and financial strategies to help drive the organization’s mission. Deena is a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, California Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation.
760.796.3716
Mary Kate O’Connell
Chief People Officer
Mary Kate O’Connell oversees all human resource activities for The Elizabeth Hospice, including talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, performance review and reward programs, employee relations and policy development. She has more than 20 years of experience in the human resources field, working in nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
MaryKate.O’Connell@ehospice.org
760.796.3766
Patricia Putzbach, MBA, BSN, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Patricia Putzbach, MBA, BSN, RN
Chief Operating Officer
With over 25 years of hospice experience as an executive and in clinical and operational roles, Patti oversees The Elizabeth Hospice’s access center, clinical, admissions, education, and compliance departments. She served on the board and policy committee of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association, the regulatory committee of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and National Government Services’ Provider Advisory Group.
Charles von Gunten, MD, PhD, FACP, FAAHPM
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Charles von Gunten oversees all medical aspects of The Elizabeth Hospice’s hospice and palliative care services. He is a medical oncologist widely known as a pioneer in the medical subspecialty of hospice and palliative medicine. After earning a bachelor of arts degree with honors from Brown University, Dr. von Gunten received his medical degree and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He completed his training in internal medicine and medical oncology at Northwestern University. Dr. von Gunten received a K01 established investigator award from the National Cancer Institute for his research in palliative medicine education and symptom control.