Health First Leadership
Meet the executive leaders driving Health First’s mission to deliver exceptional care and inspire healthier lives across our community.
Senior Executive Team
Health First’s Senior Executive Team is dedicated to advancing our mission of delivering exceptional, patient-centered care to Central Florida. With decades of combined experience, these leaders drive innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth across our integrated healthcare system.
Terry Forde, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Terry Forde, President and CEO of Health First, leads efforts to deliver patient-centered care in Brevard County. With decades of healthcare leadership, he drives innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the organization.
Kristen Pulio, Chief Financial Officer.
Kristen Pulio, CFO at Health First, ensures strong financial health to support high-quality care in Brevard County. She brings deep healthcare finance experience and a passion for sustainable solutions that expand access to care.
Nicholas Romanello, Chief Legal Officer.
Nicholas Romanello, Chief Legal Officer at Health First, oversees legal affairs and risk management. He brings healthcare law expertise to ensure compliance and provide strategic counsel supporting safe, high-quality care.
Nicholas Romanello has served as Health First’s Chief Legal Officer since 2016, overseeing all legal affairs and providing counsel to executive leadership and the board of trustees on corporate governance, business development, and litigation. He also leads enterprise risk management, compliance, privacy, government relations, and internal audit functions.
As Health First expands beyond Florida’s Space Coast, Nicholas guides a team of attorneys and external counsel to support business initiatives while managing legal and operational risks in a complex regulatory environment.
Previously, he served as Chief Legal Officer for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County and General Counsel for the Florida Department of Health. He also advised the fifth-largest public hospital system in the U.S.
A member and past chair of the Florida Board of Medicine, Nicholas is active in legal and healthcare organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law.
Jamie Forrest, President, Chief Operating Officer, Health First Health Plans.
Jamie Forrest leads strategic planning and operations at Health First Health Plans, driving performance, compliance, and growth through collaborative leadership, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to organizational culture.
Jamie Forrest is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Health First Health Plans. In this dual capacity, Forrest leads strategic planning and guides daily operations across both clinical and business functions—including care management, provider relations, and member services. She is responsible for driving performance improvement, executing business strategy, championing organizational culture, and ensuring regulatory compliance and financial stewardship.
Forrest joined Health First Health Plans, Inc. in 2006 as Manager of Group Services. Since then, she has held leadership roles in Sales, Account Management, Regulatory Affairs, Compliance, Product Development, and Strategic Partnerships. She was appointed Vice President in 2014 and advanced to Chief Operating Officer in 2020. Her leadership has resulted in measurable improvements in claims payment timeliness, customer experience, and membership growth.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Forrest is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and excellence.
Cheyana Fischer, SVP, Chief Nurse Executive.
Cheyana Fischer, SVP, Chief Nurse Executive at Health First, brings over 20 years of leadership and a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care.
Cheyana Fischer is the Senior Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive at Health First, overseeing clinical operations, nursing strategy, clinical risk management, quality, patient safety and clinical education. She transitioned into this role on October 18, 2023, after serving as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the Hospital Division.
With over two decades of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership, Cheyana began her career at AdventHealth Orlando in 2004 before joining Health First at Holmes Regional Medical Center in 2008. She played a pivotal role in opening Viera Hospital in 2011 and advanced through leadership roles, including Director of Nursing, Vice President of Nursing, and Hospital Administrator.
Committed to quality, safety, and patient-centered care, Cheyana’s leadership ensures Health First continues to deliver high-quality, compassionate care to the communities it serves.
Michael Carr, Chief Information Officer.
Michael Carr, CIO at Health First, leads technology, data, and cybersecurity strategies to enhance care and efficiency. With 18+ years in healthcare IT, he oversees the Epic rollout across care and insurance divisions.
Andrew Fink, President, Community Health Services.
Dr. Drew Fink, President of Community Health Services at Health First, brings 20+ years of leadership and a strategic focus on patient-centered care, access, and outcomes for Brevard County.
Michael Mullowney, President, Hospital Division
Mike Mullowney, President of Health First’s Hospital Division, leads four hospitals and 4,000 associates, driving award-winning performance through 25+ years of healthcare leadership and a values-driven approach.
Michael Seeley, President, Health First Foundation.
Michael Seeley, President of Health First Foundation, brings 25+ years of experience in healthcare philanthropy, leading fundraising, community partnerships, and programs that strengthen access to care and support Health First’s mission.
Heather Spillman, Senior Vice President, Strategy.
Heather Spillman, SVP of Strategy at Health First, brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare consulting and planning, leading enterprise strategy, marketing, communications, and program management.