The strength of a team.
Synthase Officers
PRESIDENT/CHAIRWOMAN
Jackie Kendrick, CHPCA
Chief Executive Officer
Jackie Kendrick joined Treasure Coast Hospice as chief executive officer on July 1, 2019, to lead the organization’s comprehensive hospice care and grief support services in Martin and St. Lucie counties.
Kendrick previously was executive director of HPH Hospice in Pasco County. HPH is part of the Chapters Health System, which provides end-of-life care to residents in seven counties on the west coast of Florida.
She began her career at Legacy Hospice in Tyler, Texas, and then served as the executive director at Heart to Heart Hospice in Lufkin, Texas. Under her leadership, the startup organization developed into the largest hospice in the area. Kendrick holds a bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Texas and is certified as a hospice and palliative care administrator.
Vice President/Vice Chair
Joseph Killian MA, BA, CHPCA, ACHE
CEO
Joe Killian is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Joe is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Disease Management, Palliative Care, Medicaid, and Physician Relations. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor’s of Science, Business Management with a Master’s in Business and Strategic Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.
As CEO for Hospice of St. Francis Joe has led efforts in the development and implementation of standards of care resulting in increased quality and patient outcomes exceeding both state and federal benchmarks while simultaneously achieving year over year growth exceeding 5% increase in ADC. He successfully led the organization through CHAP reaccreditation and improved financial performance of hospice operation.
Started and developed Pathways to Health Care LLC., a non-hospice palliative care program, with over 400 patients receiving care in their homes in all of Brevard County.
SECRETARY
Jaysen F. Roa, MHA, MBA
President & CEO
Jaysen Roa joined Avow as President & CEO in October, 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Roa has overseen the growth of Avow Hospice, Avow Palliative Care Services, Avow Foundation and the Avow Kids children’s grief and loss program. Under his direction, Avow programs, services, facilities and resources for patients, their families and the community at large have grown significantly, serving more children and adults than ever in the company’s 37-year-history.
Mr. Roa’s 20-plus years of not-for-profit hospice experience includes developing innovative patient-centered approaches to providing care, facilities and outreach in an ever-changing health landscape. His efforts include public policy advocacy both nationally and at the state level to advance hospice, palliative care and post-acute, home-centered care.
Mr. Roa serves on the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association Board of Directors as the chairman of the board. He is also the Florida hospice representative serving the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Council of States and a member of the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation.
Prior to joining Avow, Mr. Roa served as Executive Director at Good Shepherd Hospice based in Lakeland, Florida. He also held executive positions at HPH Hospice and began his hospice career at Hospice of Citrus County, all based in Florida.
Mr. Roa has completed numerous industry certifications in hospice and fundraising management. He holds a master’s in business administration and master’s in health administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from University of South Florida in Tampa.