J.L. Wherley serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Vitas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Chemed Corporation, where he leads the nation's largest provider of end-of-life hospice and palliative care services. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare management, Wherley began his career in clinical operations at a regional hospital system before transitioning to hospice care in the early 2000s. His ascent at Vitas started as Vice President of Operations in 2010, where he oversaw the expansion of services across multiple states, demonstrating a keen ability to blend compassionate patient care with operational efficiency. Under Wherley's leadership, Vitas has achieved significant milestones, including a 40% increase in patient census over the past decade, enhanced clinical outcomes through innovative telehealth integrations, and recognition as a top performer in national hospice quality metrics by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He spearheaded the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing robust safety protocols that maintained service continuity while earning accolades from industry bodies like the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Wherley's strategic vision has positioned Vitas as a leader in value-based care models, driving sustainable growth for Chemed Corporation. As CEO, Wherley continues to champion a patient-centered approach, fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and advocating for policy reforms to improve access to hospice services. His commitment to workforce development has resulted in industry-leading employee satisfaction scores and talent retention, ensuring Vitas remains at the forefront of compassionate end-of-life care.