TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 25, 2024) – Big Bend Hospice, a leading provider of end-of-life care in Florida’s Big Bend region, announced key leadership promotions today to head its new parent company, Seven Oaks Health. The promotions position Seven Oaks Health for continued growth in fulfilling its mission of reimagining healthcare for those facing chronic, serious, or terminal illness, with a focus on empowering patients to live healthier lives wherever they call home.
Jon Wood Promoted to President and Chief Strategy Officer
Jon Wood, CPA, LSSBB, has been promoted from chief operating officer of Big Bend Hospice to president of Seven Oaks Health, effective immediately.
Since joining Big Bend Hospice in 2017, Wood has played a critical role in the organization’s success. He rose quickly from consultant to chief financial officer and chief operating officer in July 2020. In these roles, Wood’s exceptional leadership and financial expertise guided Big Bend Hospice through challenges and identified new opportunities for growth.
Wood brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare finance, honed across various roles in esteemed organizations, including large for-profit hospital systems and non-profit community-based organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University and is a certified public accountant and Lean Six Sigma black belt.
“Jon Wood’s promotion is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and vision,” said Bill Wertman, CEO of Big Bend Hospice and Seven Oaks Health. “His proven track record in shaping healthcare delivery will be instrumental in driving our mission forward, reimagining healthcare for those in need.”
Dr. Deborah Morris Named Chief Medical Officer of Seven Oaks Health
Seven Oaks Health is also pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Deborah Morris to Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Morris brings extensive experience and expertise to this crucial leadership role, having previously served as the Medical Director of Big Bend Hospice.
“Dr. Morris’ dedication, expertise, and leadership have been instrumental in building our hospice and palliative care practice into a model for exceptional patient-centered care.We are incredibly fortunate to have her at the helm of our medical team at Seven Oaks Health, where she will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of our patients and their families,” said Bill Wertman.
Dr. Morris received her MD degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and completed residencies in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and Duke University, respectively. Before joining Big Bend Hospice, she was Medical Director at multiple hospice and palliative care organizations in Virginia while holding a faculty appointment at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Dr. Morris is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has been recognized as a Top Doc in hospice and palliative medicine by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
With Jon Wood’s leadership and Dr. Deborah Morris’ medical expertise leading the way, Seven Oaks Health is poised to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families facing chronic, serious, or terminal illness. Their commitment to fostering health equity and access for all ensures a brighter future for healthcare in the Big Bend area.
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About Big Bend Hospice
Big Bend Hospice (BBH) is a more than 40-year-old nonprofit agency and leading provider of end-of-life care, now a subsidiary of Seven Oaks Health. Big Bend Hospice serves the eight counties in the Big Bend area of Florida: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla. Our entire team is fully committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care that meets the needs of the whole patient and family. For more information, call 850-878-5310 or visit bigbendhospice.org