Sentara Health has announced the appointment of Elwood Bernard “Bernie” Boone III as the next president of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. Boone will assume the role on June 2.

Boone, a Richmond native, began his career as a summer camp counselor at the North Richmond YMCA. He has served as president of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital since 2012 and brings more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership. His background includes a focus on improving operational performance, building high-performing teams, and expanding access to patient-centered services.

“Bernie is a thoughtful and experienced leader with a deep commitment to patient-centered care and community health,” said Jeff Joyner, Sentara’s senior vice president and president of the Acute Care Northwestern Market. “He is well-prepared to lead Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital into its next chapter.”

Boone was recently honored with the American College of Healthcare Executives Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award for Central Virginia and was named one of Virginia Business magazine’s 2025 Virginia Black Business Leader Awards recipients.

In a statement, Boone said his ties to the Piedmont region of Virginia make the new role especially meaningful.

“Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital has a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and a deep, trusted bond with the community,” Boone said. “I’m honored to join this remarkable team and help write the next chapter in its legacy.”