Joel Wherley

Joel L. Wherley is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of VITAS Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of hospice and palliative care. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and administrative governance of the company and its employees across the United States.

Joel joined VITAS in 2016 as senior vice president of hospice operations. He was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2017, named president in 2024, and appointed to CEO in 2025. Throughout his tenure, he has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical operations, driving sustainable growth, and fostering a values-based culture grounded in service, compassion, and accountability.

With roots in clinical care as a respiratory therapist, Joel has cultivated a respected executive presence over a decades-long career, marked by strategic leadership and industry-wide impact. His commitment to compassionate care laid the foundation for a leadership style rooted in empathy, integrity, and team empowerment.

Prior to joining VITAS, Joel held senior executive roles at several national healthcare organizations, including American HomePatient, Gentiva, and Hospice Advantage, where he consistently delivered strategic growth and operational excellence across diverse care settings.

Joel currently serves on the Board of Directors for the South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Association, supporting its mission to advance the delivery of high-quality, efficient healthcare to local communities. In 2022, he was appointed as an inaugural Advisory Board member for the Home Care Innovation + Investment Conference (HI2), a national platform dedicated to positioning the home as the cornerstone of the future healthcare system.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and organizational design from the University of Illinois at Springfield.