John Whiteside Named CEO of SageWest Health Care

John Whiteside Named CEO of SageWest Health Care

SageWest Health Care announced that John Whiteside has been named chief executive officer (CEO), effective December 6.

“John is deeply committed to our mission of Making Communities Healthier, and we are excited to introduce him to SageWest and the Fremont County communities,” said Sandy Podley, president of LifePoint Health’s Western Division, of which SageWest is a part. “A champion for quality care, John combines compassion for patients and staff with sharp operational skills. We are confident that he will be a tremendous leader for the hospital, and we look forward to everything SageWest will accomplish with John at the helm.”

Whiteside joins the SageWest team from Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC), another LifePoint Health facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he has been serving as CEO since 2016. During his tenure at LAMC, John demonstrated a keen ability to cultivate positive relationships within the community, building a strong culture of quality and safety among hospital staff, and improved employee and physician satisfaction.

Prior to LAMC, he served as chief operating officer of Mercy Regional Medical Center in Eunice, La and assistant administrator at Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, Fl. John started his career in healthcare leadership as an administrative resident at Tampa General Hospital in Florida. Whiteside also served 10 years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps.

“John has all of the ideal qualities and experience we are looking for in a new leader for SageWest,” said Dr. Mel Meyer, SageWest emergency medicine physician and chairman of the hospital’s board of trustees. “His commitment to building relationships, fostering growth and prioritizing quality and patient safety will be a tremendous benefit to our communities. We are so pleased he is joining the SageWest family, and we look forward to working with him to continue the exceptional work already underway here.”  

Whiteside earned master’s degrees in healthcare administration and business management from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, and Leo University in St. Leo, Florida. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

“I am excited to make the move to Fremont County and am honored to have the opportunity to become part of the SageWest team,” said Whiteside. “These hospitals are a vital asset to Fremont County, and I am looking forward to working alongside this dedicated team as we embark on the next chapter together and continue to seek new and greater ways to advance our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”