Leadership

Benson Chacko, FACHE
President, Methodist Southlake Medical Center

Benson P. Chacko, FACHE, serves as President of Methodist Southlake Medical Center. In his role, he provides day-to-day leadership for the hospital, collaboratively implements strategies, and efficiently manages hospital operations to maximize quality. Benson’s healthcare career spans two decades in various areas to include human resources, project management, ambulatory care, business development & strategy, physician relations, and hospital operations. In 2018, he joined Methodist Health System as the Vice President of Operations at the system’s flagship hospital, Methodist Dallas Medical Center (MDMC), a 592-bed tertiary care facility. There, he led operational improvements in many areas and expanded key service lines to include the construction of a 36-bed Progressive Care Unit, renovations of multiple patient care units, and enhanced ancillary services. In his three years at MDMC, he was responsible for implementing $82M of investments to enhance patient care and hospital operations. Through his executive leadership, he ensured the delivery of high-quality care while maintaining efficient operations. Benson’s passion for the Methodist mission is paramount, and with his growth-oriented style is committed to Methodist Health System. Prior to joining Methodist, he served in Chief Operating Officer roles in Tenet Healthcare at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, MO, and The Hospitals of Providence-Sierra Campus in El Paso, TX. At Sierra Campus, he managed a $53M, two-year renovation of the 329-bed tertiary care hospital. He relocated back to the DFW area to serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer at Tenet’s joint venture hospital, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lake Pointe. There, he led the organization through a successful Joint Commission Survey, achieved the Leap Frog “A” Rating for the organization, and led the corporate transition from Tenet Healthcare to Baylor Scott & White.

Born and raised in Coppell, TX, Benson started his career following his mother, a nurse, to work as a junior volunteer at St. Paul Medical Center in Dallas, TX. This exposure at an early age defined his career path to serve in healthcare. He holds a Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, and Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas. Throughout his career as a healthcare executive, Benson has continued to find time to serve on professional councils with the Texas Hospital Association and serve for community nonprofits such as The Boys & Girls Club and the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence. Finally, he’s had the honor of being recognized by the United States Congress for Community Service during his time at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, CA.

Benson and his wife, Manju, are blessed with two children and stay busy with the kids’ sports. In addition, he enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, and attempting to improve his golf game.

Kathryn Ufolla, MHA, BSN, RN, CCRN 
Vice President of Nursing, Methodist Southlake Medical Center

Kathryn received her Associate Degree in Nursing at Tarrant County College in 1999. She subsequently obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2002) and Master of Science in Healthcare Administration (2008) from The University of Texas at Arlington. Her healthcare career spans more than two decades in various areas, which include Medical/Surgical, Women’s and Children’s, Surgical Services, and Critical Care. She has considerable experience in operations and leadership in both acute care hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. This diverse background will be key to our future success.

Kathryn began her tenure at Methodist Health System in 2008, where she worked at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in the CCU for almost 3 years. After a brief departure from Methodist Health System, she returned to Methodist Southwest Medical Center (MCMC) in 2013. There, she worked as a staff nurse, Nursing Clinical Coordinator, and Manager in the Intensive Care Unit. Since 2018, she has led her team as the Director of Nursing for the Critical Care Division, which consists of ICU, IMC, IMC2, Resource Team, and Wound Care. Under Kathryn’s leadership, the MCMC ICU was awarded the Beacon Award with Silver distinction in 2021.

With her “patient first” approach, Kathryn is focused on providing the highest quality of care, leading with compassion and accountability, and elevating the nursing profession. She works collaboratively with medical staff members and ancillary departments in addition to leaders from across the system to advance MHS’ Care Commitments. These collaborations have resulted in the implementation of various system-wide process improvement initiatives

On a personal note, Kathryn is a native to D/FW as she was born and raised in Arlington. In her free time, she volunteers for Allie’s Haven Animal Rescue and is always looking for a new travel adventure. Please don’t hold it against her, but she is a Pittsburgh Steeler fan who is ready for that 7th Super Bowl win.