It takes dedication to make a strong community

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.

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.

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.

McCormick was named Vice President, Chief Clinical Excellence Officer in early 2024 following Centrica Care Navigators’ affiliation with the NorthStar Care Community.

Before joining the NorthStar Care Community, McCormick served as the Chief Executive Officer of Centrica™ Care Navigators, a position she held for six years. Prior to that, she served in multiple roles at Centrica Care Navigators including Chief Operating Officer where she provided overall direction and provision of the agency’s clinical and operational areas including quality service delivery, strategic planning, business operations, census growth, compliance, and financial oversight, Community Relations Officer, and Director of Residential Services.

Previous roles include Director, Nursing Resource Team, at Ascension Borgess and Marketing Manager at Stryker Medical.

Kelly earned her Registered Nurse Diploma from the Bronson School of Nursing. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University.

In addition to her work responsibilities, McCormick currently serves on the Executive Committee of Senior Care Partners, P.A.C.E and formerly served on the Advisory Committee for the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Women’s Education Coalition Grant. She is the former Vice Chair of the Public, Community, and Member Relations Committee for the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Agency. And she is a former Editorial Consultant for Home Health Aide Digest. Additionally, she has been a presenter at the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Agency Conference and has served on several boards and committees in the Kalamazoo area.

Denise King is a seasoned marketing executive with a passion for service and community engagement. With a background in public administration and social work from Eastern Michigan University, Denise has dedicated her career to enhancing the visibility and impact of organizations that make a difference.

Her professional journey began at General Growth Properties, where she honed her marketing skills while promoting malls across Michigan. Afterward, she spent 17 years as the Director of Marketing for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, where she successfully elevated the brand and expanded its reach within the community.

In 2017, Denise made a pivotal career shift to the hospice sector, inspired by the exceptional care her father received during his end-of-life journey. This personal experience ignited her desire to ensure that more families are aware of the compassionate services available through hospice care. As the VP, Chief Branding and Marketing Officer, Denise is committed to raising awareness and fostering understanding of hospice services, helping to bridge the gap between families and the care they need.

Denise’s unique blend of marketing expertise and personal motivation drives her mission to connect communities with essential services, making her a valuable leader in the healthcare sector.

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.