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
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.
Deena.Nelson@ehospice.org
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
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.
Jim Zolnowski, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Chief Operating Officer
Jim Zolnowski has more than 20 years of experience in nursing and 16 years in healthcare leadership, leading clinical operations, nursing strategy, and interdisciplinary teams across hospital and health system settings. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the access center, clinical admissions, education, compliance, and comprehensive clinical services at The Elizabeth Hospice, including nursing, social work, spiritual care, and volunteer programs. A former Chief Nursing Officer, Jim brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, workforce transformation, and quality improvement. His background includes launching initiatives that enhance patient outcomes, developing education and training programs, and advising on clinical consulting projects that strengthen care delivery and operational efficiency.
Jim.Zolnowski@ehospice.org
760.621.4052
