Elea Institute Brings Seasoned Health Care Provider on Leadership Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2025
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Elea Institute Expands Board of Directors
Elea Institute Brings Seasoned Health Care Provider on Leadership Team
CHICAGO — Elea Institute, a national leader in advancing hospice and palliative care, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Kristofer L. Smith, MD, MPP to its Board of Directors. With an illustrious career spanning decades in hospice and palliative care, most recently as Chief Medical Officer of Optum at Home, Dr. Smith brings unparalleled expertise and passion to Elea’s mission.
“Dr. Kris Smith is the perfect complement to our team,” said Kent Mathy, Chairman of the Board for Elea Institute. “His experience as a physician and leader in palliative care, combined with his commitment to transforming healthcare delivery, aligns perfectly with our vision for improving hospice care nationwide.”
Dr. Smith has over 15 years of experience in population health and value-based care, formerly serving as Chief Medical Officer of Landmark Health, Chief Clinical Officer at Prospero Health, President of naviHealth’s Home-based Medical Care division and SVP of Population Health at Northwell Health. Throughout his career, Dr. Smith has worked both in leadership roles and as a practitioner, beginning his career as a house-call physician specializing in primary and palliative care.
“Elea Institute serves a vital role by expanding access to hospice care nationwide through grants and research. I am excited to share my experience and knowledge as a force for positive development” said Dr. Kris Smith. “End-of-life care is one of the most important places in healthcare to help patients and caregivers, and I look forward to collaborating with this team to push hospice care forward.”
For more information about Elea Institute and its initiatives, please visit eleainstitute.org.
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About the Elea Institute
Elea Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing efforts to expand access to high-quality hospice and palliative care. Through its grant funding, Elea invests in critical research, the development of clinical and operational resources, and educational opportunities. Elea’s contributions focus on creating positive impacts for patients, caregivers, providers, and the broader healthcare system.