Kimberly Shaw, BSN, MBA, FACHE, was appointed Market President for St. Joseph Health in December 2022. Kim joined the Brazos Valley market after serving as the President of Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican San Martin in Las Vegas, Nevada, for three years. She has more than 30 years of experience in successfully leading in an array of health care settings,  including Catholic and faith-based hospitals within CommonSpirit Health. 

Kim received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in business administration with health care focus from Texas Woman’s University. She rose through the ranks serving in various leadership roles, including Vice President of Patient Care Services, Chief Operating Officer and hospital President.

Vernell Johnson III, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Chief Medical Officer for St. Joseph Health, has over 25 years of medical and health care leadership experience. Dr. Johnson comes to the Brazos Valley from Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he served as Vice President of Medical Affairs. As an integral leadership team member, he was vital in facilitating physician relations, medical staff communications and strategic planning. Additionally, he has demonstrated competence in overseeing performance for medical management and patient care metrics, quality and service excellence, implementation of clinical information systems, physician recruitment and leadership development. Dr. Johnson is deeply committed to facilitating and maintaining growth and positive outcomes in the health care setting.

Dr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Science in genetics and biochemistry from Texas A&M University, attended UTSW Medical School and completed his residency at UTSW Emergency Medicine.

St. Joseph Health named Beverly Welch, MSN, RN Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, Patient Care Services in December, 2016.

Beverly, who has served at St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital for over 23 years, is responsible for enhancing clinical outcomes by establishing a culture of systemness collaboration with key stakeholders. For the last nearly two decades, Beverly has led several departments, including multiple nursing departments, Transfer Center, Centralized Patient Transport, House Supervisors, Staffing Office and Emergency Department Call Panel Program with oversight for managers in Trauma, Stroke, Chest Pain Center, Emergency Management and Air Medical.

Beverly joined our organization as a Charge/Staff nurse in Emergency Services and has assumed roles of increasing responsibility, becoming Executive Director of Patient Care Services and Emergency/Trauma Service Line in 2014.

Over the past few decades, Beverly has served as a community leader, collaborating with various disciplines to expand access to healthcare, including committee leadership for the Governor’s Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council.

Beverly earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees of Science in Nursing Administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and her Associate’s Degree in Registered Nursing from San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas.

Kevin Walters joined St. Joseph Health in May 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. With over 27 years of healthcare-related experience, of which 20 were at sister CommonSpirit Health markets across the nation, Kevin provides financial, strategic, and developmental leadership throughout the healthcare system. Kevin works closely with hospital leadership to drive market strategy and maximize the financial performance in his role. Kevin received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. He has served on numerous community and professional boards.

Erin Marietta, Vice President of Operations, has been part of St. Joseph Health since 2017. In her prior role as the Market Director of Rural Operations, Erin provided leadership as the administrator of all three critical access hospitals. Erin, a U.S. Navy Veteran, received a Master's in Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport.

Erin is focused on collaborating with leadership to increase employee satisfaction and engagement, ensure solid financial performances, and build strong community relationships. In addition, Erin is part of the Board of the Texas Association of Rural and Community Hospitals and graduated from the Texas Hospital Association Fellowship Program.