Our Leadership

Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Heinonen, MBA, MSN, RN, CPPS, has worked in various staff and leadership roles since starting at UPHS – Portage in 2010. Heinonen received his Associate’s Degree of Nursing from Gogebic Community College, Bachelors of Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership, and Masters of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. He is also a Certified Professional of Patient Safety by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, as well as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Chief Financial Officer

Hugh DePaulis has over 34 years of healthcare experience ranging from Director of Reimbursement, Controller, Vice President of Finance, and now CFO. He has worked for the Detroit Medical Center, Trinity Health, Ascension Health, and most recently, LifePoint Health. Hugh earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Troy University.

Chief Nursing Officer 

Deb Young, MSN, RN, CENP is a seasoned nurse executive and prioritizes quality patient experiences and outcomes, as well as improving staff professional development, education, and support. Her experience includes positions as Vice President of Patient Services and CNO for UP Health System – Portage (over 30 years), as well as Interim CNO and Executive Nurse Consultant at another LifePoint hospital in Tennessee. Deb also plays an important role as a volunteer board member for the Omega House, a residential care facility, providing a home-like environment for end-of-life care. Deb's educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and a Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Deb is also certified in Executive Nursing Practice through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. 

Director of Physician Services

Tracey Bershing, R.Ph., MBA, has worked for UPHS – Portage since 2002, and has worked in various staff and leadership roles, including her dual role of Director of Inpatient Pharmacy and Director of Physician Services. Tracey received her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University and Masters of Business Administration from Michigan Technological University. She is also a member of the Michigan Pharmacist Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Director of Quality and Infection Prevention 

Casey Baird, BSN, RN, CPPS has worked for UPHS-Portage for a total of six and a half years, where she has worked in various staff and leadership roles, including Case Management, Family Birthing Center Coordinator, and finally her current position of Director of Quality and Infection Prevention.  Casey has over 16 years of experience in healthcare.  Casey is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement and is the designated Patient Safety Officer.

Director of Human Resources 

Brandi Rivest was born and raised in the Copper Country and has been with UPHS - Portage for 18 years, and has worked in various staff and leadership roles, originally starting in Registration. In 2017, Brandi transitioned into the Human Resources office, but in 2021 transitioned to Risk & Compliance until returning back to HR in March of 2022 as the new Director.