NorthStar Care Community
888.247.5701
info@northstarcarecc.org
It takes dedication to make a strong community
A growing system of expert care
NorthStar Care Community strives to continuously improve access to comprehensive, affordable care for serious illness and end-of-life services. As a nationwide organization of mission-driven providers, we combine decades of expertise to connect patients and families with the personalized care they need.
Anchored by our members, Hospice of Michigan, Arbor Hospice and Centrica Care Navigators, we provide hands-on care to a large portion of Michigan and support services to other providers of home-based care across the nation. We welcome like-minded providers with a relentless pursuit for quality to consider joining us.
Contact
Members
Arbor Hospice
888.992.2273
arborhospice.org
Centrica Care Navigators
269.345.0273
centricacare.org
Hospice of Michigan
888.247.5701
hom.org
Programs
NorthStar Palliative Care
877.227.8823
northstarpalliative.org
Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children
888.247.5704
anchors4children.org
Services
NorthStar Consulting
info@northstarcarecc.org
NorthStar Triage
833.764.3556
nssolutionsgroup.org/triage/
NorthStar Technology
000.000.000
nssolutionsgroup.org/technology/
NorthStar Fundraising
info@northstarcarecc.org
NorthStar Palliative Care
877.227.8823
northstarpalliative.org
NorthStar Pediatrics
info@northstarcarecc.org
Leadership
Meet the people who guide and govern all members of NorthStar Care Community – including our executive leadership, Board of Trustees and Foundation Board.
Organizational Leadership
More than a century’s worth of commitment.
Collectively, NorthStar Care Community’s executive leadership team has over 150 years of service to the organization.
This unparalleled combination of commitment, stability and expertise sets a standard in the rapidly changing hospice landscape, focused on preserving and protecting the not-for-profit mission in Michigan – and across the country.
Executive Leadership Team
Patrick Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE
President, Chief Executive Officer
Patrick Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE | President, Chief Executive Officer
Commitment—to clinical excellence, to prioritizing exceptional patient care and to diversity, equity, and inclusion—are the foundation of Patrick’s leadership. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Miller aspires to improve the organization’s performance and enhance the lives of all who are touched by it.
To help achieve our mission, Miller focuses on continually improving financial, quality and satisfaction outcomes, as well as creating operational efficiencies. In addition to these efforts, he leads the work to grow and develop new business partnerships throughout the United States through NorthStar Solutions Group, helping to ensure the success of NorthStar Care Community’s partner organizations.
Joining Hospice of Michigan in 2004 as Clinical Director, Miller was named Chief Operating Officer in June 2008. In January 2024, Miller assumed the role of President and CEO.
Miller is a graduate of the Second Degree/Second Career program at Wayne State University’s College of Nursing which followed his BS in biology from the University of Michigan. His graduate work, also at UM, includes an MBA and MHSA.
His background includes a cultural exchange program in the Middle East, a fellowship on the Navajo Nation, and a leadership role on the Michigan Board of Mortuary Service. His involvement in several healthcare committees and community organizations includes having served as a board member for the Arab American Nurses Association, service on the Michigan Department of Community Health Task Force on Nursing Practice. Currently, Miller is a contributing member of the Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium Palliative Care and End of Life Task Force.
Lee Ann Myers, CPA, CGMA
EVP, Chief Administrative Officer
Lee Ann Myers, CPA, CGMA | EVP, Chief Administrative Officer
Joining Hospice of Michigan as Controller in 2000 fulfilled a personal goal of Myers to combine a career in finance and administration with one that allowed her to dedicate herself to a mission-driven organization.
Myers was named Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer in 2010. Following the formation of NorthStar Care Community in 2016, Myers’ role expanded to encompass both Arbor Hospice and HOM. Myers was named Executive Vice President in 2017.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Myers is a vital member of the Leadership Council, managing all aspects of quality and compliance. She also oversees Legal Affairs, Contract Services, and Clinical Project Management. Myers has been instrumental in providing the structure, stability and accountability needed as the organization transitioned into a statewide hospice provider with national influence.
Myers is a certified public accountant (CPA) and has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, graduating cum laude.
Patricia McDaniel
VP, Chief Business Development Officer
Patricia McDaniel, | VP, Chief Business Development Officer
Patricia Van Pelt McDaniel has extensive work experience in various roles throughout their career. Patricia joined the NorthStar Car in 2019 and currently serves as the Vice President, Chief Business Development Officer. Prior to this role, she held the position of Associate Vice President of Marketing and Client Services at the same organization. In 2019, she also worked as a Facilitator at Davenport University.
Before joining the NorthStar Care Community, McDaniel had a long tenure at Fifth Third Bank. From 2014 to 2018, she served as the SVP of Retail Banking, overseeing a $90 million profit and loss (P&L) with 83 branch locations, 8 direct reports, and over 500 employees. Her responsibilities included talent development, operational excellence, risk management, customer experience, and sales and service delivery through the Retail channel, including small business services. During her time in this role, she successfully established the Retail team as a collaborative partner, leading to increased cross-departmental referrals.
McDaniel’s earlier roles at Fifth Third Bank included Head of Retail Banking in Eastern Michigan from 2011 to 2014, Retail Market Manager from 2010 to 2011, and Retail Regional Manager from 2005 to 2010.
Prior to her tenure at Fifth Third Bank, McDaniel worked as a Financial Center Manager at Fifth Third Bank from 2001 to 2005.
Overall, McDaniel has demonstrated expertise in leadership and management, with a focus on retail banking, team collaboration, and customer service.
Patricia Van Pelt McDaniel holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University. Patricia also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Baldwin Wallace University.
Marcie Hillary
EVP, Chief Experience Officer
Marcie Hillary | EVP, Chief Experience Officer
As Senior Vice President, Community Relations and member of the Executive Team, Hillary oversees all fundraising, marketing, and communications initiatives. Working collaboratively with both Arbor Hospice and Hospice of Michigan Foundation Boards, and a statewide staff, Hillary’s role is not only to raise money to fund programs but also to raise awareness for Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice’s not-for-profit mission. The fundraising team focuses on a strong annual fund along with major and planned gifts, grants, and high-profile events.
Joining Hospice of Michigan in June 1997 as a Philanthropy Specialist, she has been promoted many times throughout her tenure, establishing a reputation as a compassionate leader and steadfast advocate for end-of-life care. In addition to her community relations duties, she is also the executive lead for the grief support, integrative therapies, and volunteer services functions.
Hillary earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Aquinas College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University. She currently sits on the board at Aquinas College. In 2017, Hillary was honored with the Benjamin Franklin Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the West Michigan Association of Fundraising Professionals and has been recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Krista Newman, MBA
VP, Chief Operating Officer
Krista Newman, MBA | VP, Chief Operating Officer
Bringing a deep knowledge of hospice operations, exceptional strategic vision and an unrelenting drive to find new ways to deliver care, Newman is responsible for the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of all clinical services.
In this role, she has oversight of all clinical service operations in addition to cultivating and nurturing NorthStar Solutions Group partnerships.
Newman, who joined Arbor Hospice in 2004, received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from University of Michigan.
Dr. Tom O’Neil, MD FAAHPM
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Tom O’Neil, MD FAAHPM | Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Thomas O’Neil was named Associate Vice President, Chief Medical Officer for NorthStar Care Community in June 2024. In this role, Dr. O’Neil plays a pivotal role in the shaping and execution of strategic initiatives to address the shifting dynamics in the healthcare landscape.
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. O’Neil manages members of the not-for-profit’s Medical Affairs team, including all physicians and nurse practitioners at Arbor Hospice, Centrica Care Navigators, Hospice of Michigan and NorthStar Palliative Care.
Dr. O’Neil earned the designation Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (FAAHPM) in 2021 for his work as a physician who cares for patients with a serious illness. The Fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine status is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a physician member.
He received his medical degree from Wayne State University in Detroit and trained in Family Medicine at The University of Michigan. Following residency, he completed a Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at the University of Michigan. After remaining at the University of Michigan as faculty, he joined Arbor Hospice and NorthStar Palliative Care full time in December 2018.
Eric Kaplan
VP, Chief Information Officer
Eric Kaplan | VP, Chief Information Officer
In addition to leading all information technology efforts and his extensive work with NorthStar Solutions Group partners, Kaplan has oversight of electronic medical records (EMR). Kaplan leads the exploration and evaluation of EMR solutions that will meet NorthStar Care Community’s future needs and those of its partners.
Kaplan led the development of NorthStar LINC, an application that allows patients and caregivers to have round-the-clock access to the support they need at the click of a button. His efforts were instrumental in helping NorthStar Care Community provide patients with additional access to essential care.
Kaplan conducted his undergraduate studies at University of Michigan. Since joining Arbor Hospice in 2007, he has amassed 16 years of experience working with various EMR systems.
Jamie Cockerel, BBA, MSA
VP, Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Cockerel, BBA, MSA | VP, Chief Financial Officer
Bringing a wealth of financial experience specific to hospice operations, Cockerel joined Hospice of Michigan in 2022 after serving at Centrica Care Navigators for over 16 years. As a member of the Executive Leadership team at Centrica, she was responsible for the overall financial health and strategic direction of the organization.
As Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Cockerel is a member of the Executive Team along with having direct oversight of all financial operations including Accounting, Patient Financial Services, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Property Management functions.
Cockerel earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and a Master of Science of Accounting from Indiana University – South Bend. In addition, she has held multiple Board seats with community non-profit organizations.
Brad Killaly
Brian Connolly
Daniel Liehr
Gerald Fitzgerald
Jane McNamara
John Evangelista
John Maurer
Kurt Ludlow
Mary Sanders
Michael Damstra
Michael Jones
Molly Petersen
Nancy Philippart
Patrick Miller
Sandford Linden
Steven Wade