Our Leadership

Maria Garvin

Chief Financial Officer

Maria Garvin was named chief financial officer of Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare in February, 2025.

Garvin previously served as chief financial officer for Medical City’s Alliance and Las Colinas locations, both part of HCA Healthcare’s North Texas Division. In that role, she improved earnings through financial resiliency initiatives; stabilized structure and processes within accounting, case management and patient access; and secured capital funding to support growth and safety in the operating room and women’s services. She has more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership, including serving as assistant chief financial officer for Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare for three years and more than 15 years in financial roles with St. David’s HealthCare in Austin, both of which are part of HCA Healthcare’s Central and West Texas Division.

Garvin holds a master’s degree in business administration from St. Edward’s University in Austin. She is also a 2021 graduate of the HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program.

Alejandro Romero

Chief executive officer

Since May of 2024, Alejandro serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Las Palmas Medical Center. Alejandro is a recent graduate of Leadership Osceola, Florida and served as the NFD Hispanic Colleague Network Executive Chapter Sponsor. Prior to relocating to El Paso, TX, Alejandro served as the Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital in Kissimmee, Florida.

With over 26 years of healthcare experience, Alejandro began his HCA career at Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas in 2008. Since then, he has been promoted to various leadership roles and in 2015, he joined the HCA West Florida Division as part of the COO Development Program. In 2017, he was promoted to ACOO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas and shortly after in 2019, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Methodist Hospital Metropolitan also in San Antonio, Texas.

A native to El Paso, Texas, Alejandro received his undergraduate degree from University of Phoenix and his EMBA from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Alejandro has a passion for developing and mentoring future leaders and integrating himself in the communities in which he resides. Alejandro enjoys playing pickleball, running and spending time hosting family and friends

Jacob Stercula

Chief operating officer

Jacob Stercula was named chief operating officer of Las Palmas Medical Center in December 2023. Prior to this, Stercula served as assistant chief executive officer at Lake Granbury Medical Center in Granbury.

For the past five years, Stercula has served in administrative roles at Lake Granbury Medical Center, where he provided direct support to several departments, including laboratory, wound care, therapy, radiology, environmental services, and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, among others. As assistant chief executive officer, Stercula led plans for a $16-million freestanding emergency facility that provided patients access to critical care services, coordinated a $3.5-million catheterization laboratory renovation and oversaw the completion of an upgraded women’s services department.

Stercula earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration and bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Trinity University in San Antonio. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Oscar Vega Jr. MD

Chief medical officer

Oscar Vega was named chief medical officer in January 2018. Before assuming this role, Vega practiced Anesthesiology and Pain Management in El Paso for 32 years.

Vega initially obtained privileges at Las Palmas Medical Center in July of 1985. As a practicing physician, he has served in various leadership roles, beginning in 1992 as Chief of Anesthesiology, followed by appointments to numerous medical staff committees, culminating in Chief of Staff in 2000.

Born and raised in El Paso and a graduate of UTEP, he earned his MD at the University of Texas Medical School in San Antonio, Texas.

Christine Walker

Chief nursing officer

Christine Walker was named chief nursing officer (CNO) at Las Palmas Medical Center in January of 2022. Walker brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience in various service lines, including Women's Services, Emergency, and critical care. She previously served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at St. David's South Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

Walker has also served as the senior director of the Transformation Office at Texas Health Resources in Arlington, Texas. She led system integration, reliable care blueprinting, and patient journey initiatives for the most extensive faith-based, non-profit healthcare delivery system in North Texas.

Walker received a doctor of nursing practice degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, in 2016. She also holds a master of science in nursing/master of business administration and a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Art Garza

Chief executive officer

Art Garza's career in healthcare spans over 30 years with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). As of 2010, Art has served as either a Chief Operations Officer or Chief Executive Officer at various HCA hospitals. He was appointed CEO of Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas in January 2022.

Art holds a master's degree in business administration from The University of Phoenix and a master's degree in healthcare administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2008.

Over the years, Art has held board officer roles with various community organizations, colleges, and healthcare specific organizations. Currently, he serves as a board member of El Paso's Paso Del Norte Health Foundation, the Borderplex Alliance and Workforce Solutions Borderplex. He is also a member of the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association (ACHE). He enjoys serving as a mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals, as well as, promoting careers in health sciences.

With over 30 years' experience in the healthcare industry, Art's work history spans across both technical and executive arenas working in fast-paced, for-profit hospital settings. Currently, as Del Sol Medical Center's Chief Executive Officer, his responsibilities include developing and executing key strategies that enable growth and ensure regulatory compliance, while providing safe and compassionate care.

Glenda Villatoro

Chief operating officer

Glenda Villatoro is an experienced healthcare professional with a 23-year tenure with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), exemplifying steadfast dedication and expertise in her field. Glenda's journey in healthcare leadership is characterized by her commitment to excellence. Glenda earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1998 and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix in 2001. She attained her Board Certification as a Nurse Executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2015.

For the past 17 years, Glenda has served in her current role as Administrative Director of Operations and Co-Chief Staffing Officer. As a key leader within Del Sol, she oversees operations, manages various nursing departments, and is instrumental in supporting the Chief Staffing Officer role. Her multifaceted role underscores her ability to navigate the complexities of healthcare administration with poise and efficacy. Her love for the institution is reflected in her tireless efforts to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare services. Her ability to navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape has contributed significantly to the success of the organization.

In summary, Glenda Villatoro is a distinguished healthcare leader with over two decades of experience at HCA. Her impact on operations, nursing, and financial functions is a testament to her enduring dedication to healthcare excellence.

Dr. Malik Merchant

Chief medical officer

Dr. Malik Merchant is a distinguished healthcare professional currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Del Sol Medical Center, a respected institution of HCA in El Paso, Texas. With a career spanning 30 years, 17 of which within the HCA family.

In 2021, Dr. Merchant assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer at Del Sol Medical Center, where he has brought his wealth of experience to bear on the hospital's operations. His leadership has been instrumental in aligning medical practices with the highest standards of patient care.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Malik Merchant is known for his passion for hospital operations and process improvement. His role as Chief Medical Officer allows him to blend his medical knowledge with a strategic approach to enhance the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Dr. Merchant's commitment to taking great care of patients extends beyond the clinical setting. His leadership style emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that the community served by Del Sol Medical Center receives the highest standard of healthcare services.

In summary, Dr. Malik Merchant is a seasoned healthcare professional and Chief Medical Officer with a diverse educational background, a passion for hospital operations, and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional quality patient care. His leadership at Del Sol Medical Center reflects a dedication to excellence that positively impacts both the medical staff and the community they serve in El Paso, Texas.

John Duran

Chief nursing officer

John Duran is a devoted healthcare professional with a commitment to advancing the nursing profession and ensuring outstanding patient care. With a 12-year tenure at HCA, John has showcased unwavering dedication and expertise in his chosen field.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, John's healthcare journey commenced when he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2009. Driven by a desire to contribute to the enhancement and management of nursing systems, he pursued further education, achieving a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nursing Systems Management in 2016.

Throughout his career, spanning six years in his current role, John has played a pivotal part in cultivating the professional practices of nurses within the organization. His steadfast commitment to fostering growth and development has not only empowered the nursing staff but has also significantly contributed to the overall success of Del Sol Medical Center.

John's professional philosophy centers on providing exceptional patient care and leaving a positive impact on the community. His leadership style is marked by a sincere concern for the well-being of his team and the patients they serve. Under his guidance, the organization has flourished, consistently surpassing healthcare standards.

Beyond his professional pursuits, John maintains a deep connection to his El Paso roots, valuing community engagement and actively seeking opportunities to enhance the well-being of the local population. Whether through initiatives for professional development among nurses or community outreach programs, John is resolutely committed to making a lasting and positive impact in the community he calls home.

John has established himself as a healthcare leader, and his progression through his career at HCA reflects his steadfast commitment to nursing excellence, patient care, and community service. His story is characterized by ongoing education, personal development, and an unwavering dedication to enhance both the nursing profession and the general well-being of those he serves.