The PFAC is delighted to welcome Jessica Melton, M.H.A., as Suburban’s new president and chief operating officer, and as a member of the PFAC. Jessica replaces Jacky Schultz, who retired as Suburban’s president in September 2020. Jessica joined Suburban on April 15, 2021, from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was the chief operating officer. Before arriving at Sentara, Jessica held leadership roles at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, including vice president of medical, surgical, and critical care services, vice president of emergency services and patient flow, administrative director of emergency preparedness and trauma, and director of the Duke Preparedness and Response Center.

Jessica brings a rich history of experience with PFACs and PFAs from her prior work. For example, Jessica started an emergency department PFAC while at Duke. She is already actively involved in Suburban’s PFAC.

The selection process for Suburban’s new president and chief operating officer modeled the partnership that is crucial to delivering patient- and family-centered care. Steve Bokat, then PFAC PFA co-chair, brought the patient and family voice to the table as a member of the team that interviewed finalists for this position.

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