Our Leadership

Market Chief Executive Officer

Tonya Darner serves as the market chief executive officer of UP Health System – Marquette and UP Health System – Bell.  A healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience, Tonya brings a deep background in clinical operations, strategic growth, and medical practice management across both civilian and military healthcare systems.

She began her career in the United States Air Force, where she served for 20 years in progressively responsible roles, culminating in senior leadership within medical operations. Her military service instilled in her a disciplined, mission-driven leadership style and a strong foundation in patient-centered care, operational efficiency, and team development.

Following her military retirement in 2011, Tonya transitioned into civilian healthcare leadership and held several key positions at UP Health System – Marquette, including senior director of neurosciences, imaging, and on-call specialist services, and director of regional operations across multiple service lines. In 2021, she returned to UPHS – Marquette as chief operating officer after serving as COO at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, a leading tertiary care center in Wisconsin.

Throughout her career, Tonya has led high-performing teams, overseen complex clinical operations, and advanced initiatives to improve access, quality, and patient outcomes in rural and regional healthcare settings. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to delivering high-value care and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service.

Chief Operating Officer

Alyson began her career at Marquette General Hospital in 1985 and has worked in the lab, medical records and emergency medical services as a licensed paramedic and instructor with the School of EMT. She also spent five years as a civilian site manager and safety engineer with the U.S. Air Force, working on base conversion and hazardous waste restoration projects.

She joined the hospital as risk and safety director in 2005 and later became director of risk management and compliance. In 2021, she was named market director of risk management for UP Health System – Bell, Marquette and Portage. Alyson has collaborated with hospitals and EMS agencies throughout the Upper Peninsula since 2002 to lead emergency preparedness programs. She is a member of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Medical Services Coordination Committee and serves as a Michigan Health & Hospital Association representative on the state’s Legislative Subcommittee.

In her free time, she enjoys carpentry and woodworking, traveling, and spending time on the water with her family during the summer.

Chief Financial Officer

Teresa Perry is the Chief Financial Officer and has worked at UP Health System – Bell for nearly 13 years.

Teresa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Michigan Technological University and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Capella University. Teresa is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety and Certified Healthcare Finance Professional. She is a member of the Bell Auxiliary Board, Small Rural Hospital Council (MHA), Behavioral Health Council (MHA), Membership Committee (ACHE) and Education Committee (ACHE).

Senior Nursing Officer

Born and raised in the UP, Hanson loves snowshoeing, camping, traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with family. She attended Northern Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2004.  Before being appointed Senior Nursing Officer, Hanson served as the Interim Senior Nursing Officer, the Director of Emergency Services, and the Director of Care Management. She spent her early healthcare career at Bell, as a Registered Nurse, Acute Care Unit & Intensive Care Unit, from May, 2004 to January of 2014. In addition to her degree from NMU, Hanson also earned a Master of Health Leadership in March, 2020, from Western Governors University.

Director of Medical Group Services

Shaquita Jones is a dedicated health care leader with a strong foundation in clinical science and health care management. She brings expertise in clinical operations, strategic planning and provider relations.

Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in health care management from DeVry University in 2016 and is currently enrolled in a dual MBA/MHA program through the University of Phoenix. She also completed the LSLA Leadership Academy (Class of 2025) and is actively pursuing board certification as a Certified Medical Practice Executive.

Director of Human Resources

Tami Ketchem is the director of human resources at UP Health System – Bell and has worked at the hospital for 30 years.

She holds an associate degree in business from Northern Michigan University. Ketchem is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and serves on the Ishpeming I.C.E. Board.