Dave Caspers vs Samuel N. Hazen

Dave Caspers

CEO of Ardent Health Services

BIO: As President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Caspers is responsible for leading the execution of key initiatives focused on performance, operational excellence, care transformation, and innovation while delivering high-quality healthcare in the communities that Ardent Health serves. Mr. Caspers joined Ardent as Chief Operating Officer in 2025, bringing significant leadership experience in retail healthcare and health system operations. Prior to Ardent, he served as vice president of omnichannel operations at Walmart Health with responsibility for in-store clinics and virtual health services. He also held various leadership roles at Banner Health, including serving as vice president of healthcare operations with responsibility for 30 hospitals, 350 clinics and 60 urgent care centers, and leading human resources for Banner’s academic medical center division. Earlier in his career, Mr. Caspers led retail healthcare operations for Target Corporation. He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Samuel N. Hazen

CEO of HCA Healthcare

BIO: A 36-year veteran of HCA Healthcare, Hazen was appointed CEO in 2019 after serving as president and chief operating officer since 2016. Hazen has served in various senior positions for HCA Healthcare including president of operations from 2011-2015. Hazen has also served as president of HCA Healthcare's Western Group, which included all operations west of the Mississippi River and represented approximately one-half of the company's revenue.