# Dave Caspers

> Dave Caspers is the Nashville-area president, chief executive officer and a director of Ardent Health, appointed on June 2, 2026 after joining as chief operating officer in March 2025. His career includes leadership roles at Target, Banner Health, Walmart Health and Leslie’s, where he became chief stores officer in October 2023. His recent public priorities emphasize execution, accountability and disciplined growth.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at Ardent Health
- **Organizations:** Ardent Health, Leslie’s, Walmart Health, Banner Health, Target Corporation
- **Education:** St. Cloud State University, North Dakota State College of Science
- **Known for:** Appointed president, CEO and a director of Ardent Health on June 2, 2026., Promoted from senior vice president of retail operations to chief stores officer at Leslie’s in 2023., Oversaw Ardent’s IMPACT operating improvement program during his COO tenure.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2015** — Held multiple positions at Target Corporation.
- **2015-08 to 2022-08** — Held vice president roles at Banner Health.
- **2022-08 to 2023-05** — Served as vice president of omnichannel retail operations for Walmart Health, according to Leslie’s proxy biography.
- **2023-05** — Joined Leslie’s as senior vice president of retail operations.
- **2023-10** — Became chief stores officer at Leslie’s.
- **2025-03** — Leslie’s announced his departure for another industry; Ardent appointed him chief operating officer on March 31.
- **2026-06-02** — Appointed president and chief executive officer of Ardent Health and joined its board of directors.

## Achievements

- Appointed president, CEO and a director of Ardent Health on June 2, 2026.
- Promoted from senior vice president of retail operations to chief stores officer at Leslie’s in 2023.
- Oversaw Ardent’s IMPACT operating improvement program during his COO tenure.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Discussed organic growth, operational performance and disciplined acquisitions at the September 9 Wells Fargo conference.
- **2026-08** — In the August 4 results announcement, identified operational execution as his highest priority; the company raised its expected 2026 IMPACT savings to at least $70 million from $55 million.
- **2026-06** — Succeeded Marty Bonick as president and CEO on June 2 and joined the board.

## Links

- Website: https://ardenthealth.com/who-we-are/leadership/dave-caspers
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-caspers-486209115

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/dave-caspers
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21