UP Health System – Marquette Names Two Vice Presidents of Operations

MARQUETTE, Mich. (May 2, 2025) — UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) has announced the appointment of two experienced health care leaders, Jason Collins, Ph.D., MBA-HCA, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN-K, and Polly Hockberger, M.S., MLS (ASCP)CM, as vice presidents of operations. These additions to the executive leadership team reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care, innovation and operational growth across the Upper Peninsula.

Dr. Jason Collins brings more than 21 years of nursing and leadership experience to his new role, where he will oversee clinical operations for the heart and vascular, perioperative, oncology and imaging service lines. A board-certified advanced nurse executive and critical care nurse, Collins has served in multiple frontline and leadership positions, including cardiovascular nurse, flight nurse and critical care educator.

He most recently served as director of clinical operations for Indiana’s largest cardiovascular and pulmonary service line, where he led successful reaccreditation efforts and helped expand services across multiple facilities. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Toronto, an MBA in health care administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and a doctorate in nursing science and advanced cardiovascular sciences from Indiana University at Indianapolis. His research explored the link between cognitive deficits in heart failure patients and early hospital readmissions.

“It is a privilege to have been chosen to support the advanced medical care service lines of UPHS – Marquette,” Collins said. “I am committed to enhancing access to quality care for everyone in the Upper Peninsula.”

Polly Hockberger, a Marquette native, brings more than 25 years of progressive leadership in laboratory operations and health care management. She began her career at Marquette General Hospital in 1995 as a phlebotomist and returned to the region in 2005. She has since been instrumental in driving quality, efficiency and regulatory excellence in laboratory services.

Hockberger has held several key leadership roles, including director of laboratory services, where she led numerous accreditations—including Joint Commission, AABB, CAP and FDA—and helped implement strategic initiatives to improve operational performance and patient outcomes.

She holds a Master of Science in clinical molecular genetics and a Bachelor of Science in clinical laboratory science from Northern Michigan University, where she also served as a laboratory instructor. She is certified as a medical laboratory scientist (ASCP) and a medical technologist (AMT).

“I am proud to work alongside the entire UP Health System team to strengthen the health and well-being of everyone we serve,” Hockberger said. “I embrace this opportunity with optimism for the future of UP Health System and a shared responsibility to serve our patients, employees and community.”

“We’re proud to welcome Dr. Jason Collins and Polly Hockberger into their new roles as vice presidents of operations on our executive leadership team,” said Tonya Darner, chief executive officer, UPHS – Marquette. “Both bring a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to our patients and community. Their expertise will help us continue advancing our mission of making communities healthier throughout the Upper Peninsula.”

Learn more about the executive leadership team at UPHS – Marquette here.