VITAS Healthcare Promotes Joseph Brickner to Vice President of Hospice Operations in Texas and Kansas

Aug. 8, 2023

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Joseph Brickner, an accomplished hospice leader from San Antonio, has been promoted to vice president of hospice operations for VITAS Healthcare. In this role, he is responsible for leading VITAS teams that provide compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio in Texas, as well as in Kansas City, Kansas.

Brickner's management approach centers around empowering his team and fostering a culture of excellence. His key priorities include developing and nurturing strong leaders, driving business growth and ensuring a high level of patient satisfaction.

“Building a team of change agents, focusing on consistent growth and providing quality care are at the core of my leadership philosophy,” said Brickner. “We aim to create positive change in the marketplace with a strong emphasis on service, quality and putting patients and families first.”

Brickner began his journey with VITAS in 2015 as a director of market development in San Antonio. He was promoted to general manager in 2018 and again to senior general manager in 2022. He assumed the role of vice president of operations in July 2023.

“Joe's relentless commitment to quality care, compliance and patient satisfaction has been evident throughout his tenure,” said Craig Tidwell, VITAS senior vice president of operations. “His remarkable dedication and leadership skills have propelled his career within the organization, and I’m excited to see where his passion continues to lead us in this new role. I am confident that his visionary leadership will further elevate the quality of end-of-life care that we provide to patients and their families.”

A showcase of his exceptional contributions to the company’s success, Brickner has received several accolades and recognition for his achievements. In 2022, he was awarded for excelling in patient and caregiver experience, employee satisfaction and business operations. As a result, Brickner was inducted into the VITAS Circle of Excellence, the executive advisory panel that shapes the future and direction of VITAS.

Brickner earned a diploma in nursing from the University of Maryland and is a veteran of the United States Army.