HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), a leading healthcare provider in the United States, has announced the appointment of Wendy Warren as senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer, effective March 3, 2025. Warren, who has been with the company for over 10 years, succeeds Kathi Whalen, who will retire after 27 years of service.
In her new role, Warren will oversee HCA Healthcare’s ethics, compliance, and regulatory departments, ensuring the company continues to uphold its high standards of conduct while supporting its mission to deliver exceptional patient care. She will play a crucial role in guiding the company’s ethical practices and fostering a culture of integrity across its extensive healthcare network.
“Wendy has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic vision throughout her tenure at HCA Healthcare,” said Mike McAlevey, executive vice president and chief legal and administrative officer. “Her commitment to improving patient care and advancing our company’s ethical standards will be invaluable as we continue to uphold our high integrity across the organization.”
Before this appointment, Warren served as associate general counsel and vice president of payer contracting and alignment at Parallon, HCA’s business affiliate. In this role, she led legal operations and advised on managed care payer relationships while guiding key responses to regulatory and legislative challenges. Warren also brings experience as a former partner at Bass, Berry & Sims, where she specialized in commercial litigation.
Warren holds a bachelor’s degree from Fisk University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas School of Law. Her legal expertise and leadership skills will be key in advancing the company’s ethical and compliance goals as HCA Healthcare continues to grow.
Warren will be taking over from Kathi Whalen, who has served as the senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer since 1998. Whalen was instrumental in developing the company’s code of conduct, policies, and training programs. She also chaired HCA Healthcare’s Sustainability Steering Committee. Whalen’s leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on the company, and her retirement marks the end of an era for the healthcare provider.
“It’s an honor to recognize Kathi for her 27 years of dedicated service to HCA Healthcare,” McAlevey stated. “She has been a trusted leader and mentor, and we will miss her wise counsel. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
About HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare, headquartered in Nashville, is one of the largest healthcare providers in the United States, operating 187 hospitals and around 2,400 outpatient care sites across 20 states and the UK. Founded in 1968, HCA Healthcare pioneered a new model of hospital care by combining resources to improve patient care and strengthen healthcare delivery. The company’s research initiatives have led to significant advances in patient outcomes, such as reducing bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%. With over 43 million annual patient encounters, HCA Healthcare continues to leverage its vast network to improve healthcare, advance medical research, and save lives.
