Dana Caviness

Dana Caviness is a seasoned healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing patient and consumer experience and shaping collaborative, patient-centered cultures. As part of the leadership team at Wellstar Health System, Dana plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s Consumer Strategy—solving critical healthcare industry challenges, improving access to care, addressing social determinants of health, leveraging technology and innovation, and improving operational efficiency, while ensuring the patient voice is at the forefront of systemwide strategies.

Her work supports an inclusive, patient-centered framework that prioritizes personalized and compassionate experiences for patients, families, guests, and team members alike. She spearheaded the development of Wellstar’s Standard Behaviors and Rallying Cry, as well as the Experience Roadmap—an evidencebased, multi-year plan designed to elevate organizational culture and hardwire patient and family centered care across the entire health system.

Dana also leads the execution of coordinated strategies that bring together stakeholders and market elements to deliver scalable, data-informed solutions. Her efforts help fuel key Wellstar initiatives, including Catalyst by Wellstar, Hospital Quality & Efficiency Programs, ShineWell, Wellstar Get Well at Work, and Wellstar on Wheels Mobile Market. These programs reflect Wellstar’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class care that drives meaningful outcomes—PeopleCare.

Recognized for her leadership in patient experience, consumerism, and performance data transparency, Dana has contributed to national conversations through various platforms. She co-hosted a 2023 episode of Becker’s Healthcare Podcast with NRC’s Greg Makoul, exploring the value of personalized care and patient storytelling. Her insights have also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, in a co-authored article with Susan Grant, “How Hospitals Are Trying to Improve the Patient Experience” (May 2023), and as a guest author in the American College of Radiology Bulletin with the story “Nameless Shoes” (October 2023).

Before joining Wellstar, Dana spent seven years at Weight Watchers International, where she held leadership roles in Training & Development, Consumer and Market Research, and Product Development. She holds a BA in Business Communications and Psychology from Oglethorpe University and an MBA from Kennesaw State University. Dana is a Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP), a certified Public Information Officer, and has served as a Senior Examiner for the Florida Sterling/Oglethorpe Council.

Outside of her professional commitments, Dana enjoys spending time with her husband and cheering on her two children at soccer and lacrosse games. She’s also an enthusiastic college sports fan—especially the Florida Gators.