Geoff Lawton PharmD, MBA, FASHP joined Littleton Adventist Hospital as Chief Operations Officer in July 2018. Before returning to Littleton, Dr Lawton served as the Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Centura Health in South Denver with responsibility for Castle Rock, Parker, Porter, and Littleton Adventist Hospitals. Previously, Dr Lawton served for eight years in the senior hospital operations and business development roles at Littleton Adventist Hospital, and had practiced for 17 years as a clinical pharmacist and pharmacy director for several HCA, Triad, and private hospitals.

Dr. Lawton holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Drake University, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kansas, and an MBA with a major in Health Administration from the University of Colorado. He has also achieved the designation of Fellow in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FASHP).

Dr. Lawton and his wife Leslie have two adult children.

Dr. Verrill joined Littleton Adventist Hospital in August 2015 from Bridgton Hospital in Maine, where he served as Division Chief for the medical group and president of the medical staff. Dr. Verrill served as a major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps and was active duty from 1993 to 2000. While on active duty, Dr. Verrill cared for patients as an internist with the 10th Medical Group at the United States Air Force Academy Hospital in Colorado Springs from 1996 to 2000.

Upon completion of his service he moved to Maine to join Central Maine Internal Medicine. A few years later he co-founded the Central Maine Hospitalist service and served as the group’s medical director for seven years. Along with his leadership roles, Dr. Verrill has been a hospitalist at Bridgton Hospital and Central Maine Medical Center since 2003.

He received his undergraduate degree in biology from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, and obtained his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Verrill completed his residency in internal medicine at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, in San Antonio, Texas, and is board certified in internal medicine.

Dr. Verrill and his wife, Melitta, have three children.

Rhonda Ward, RN, MSN, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, combines her passion for nursing and strong leadership to foster an environment of clinical excellence at Littleton Adventist Hospital. With more than 27 years of nursing experience and effective management skills, Rhonda serves as an advocate for both the hospital's patients and staff, providing a strong voice for nurses and maintaining quality care practices and clinical efficacy.

Rhonda began her career at Centura Health as a nurse on the medical unit at Penrose-St. Francis Hospital. Subsequently, she worked as a staff nurse on the surgical unit at Porter Adventist Hospital before assuming the role of charge nurse of that unit. She has also worked as a home care nurse for Centura Health at Home, a case manager at Porter Adventist Hospital, a home care coordinator at Littleton Adventist Hospital and as director of quality and operations for Centura Health at Home.

Prior to her appointment as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services, Rhonda served as the director of quality, education and nursing support at Littleton. She earned her BSN from the University of Northern Colorado and holds a master's of science degree in Nursing from Regis University.

Christine (Chris) Miller, MSN, MS, RN, associate chief nursing officer and director of critical services, has a focus to help all of our Littleton Adventist Hospital associates provide care for patients and their families by helping to provide guidance and leadership to those she serves. Chris has more than 40 years of experience as a nurse, the majority as a leader in critical care departments. Chris believes that nursing is often the voice for the patient, and her goal is to help ensure that the Littleton team has the resources and guidance to do this successfully.

Chris began her career at Denver General Hospital (now Denver Health) in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Department. Following her years there, she worked at Swedish Medical Center and Sky Ridge Medical Center, eventually completing her masters programs and following a progressive leadership path to become the director of the ED, Emergency Medical Services and trauma.

Chris earned her bachelor of science in Health Administration and master’s degrees in Nursing and Health Administration at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Her mission is to be happy and engaged both at home and at work. She thrives when helping patients follow a path to be healthier and to be a leader who brings excellence every day. Her life's journey is to bring value to the people around her who travel through life by her side.

Kelley Kovar, MSN, RN, NE-BC, OCN associate chief nursing officer and director of acute care, has a mission to care for others. Kelley has more than 20 years of nursing experience, the majority as an oncology leader. Kelley is passionate about quality patient care for all. She leads her teams to provide this care at Littleton Adventist Hospital.

Kelley began her career at Lutheran Medical Center in the inpatient oncology unit in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Kelley moved into nursing leadership positions across the oncology continuum of care. These include Manager of inpatient oncology, outpatient infusion services and oncology educator. Kelley is proud of the impact she has made on oncology including, building an inpatient oncology unit and outpatient infusion center at Lutheran Medical Center, and building the Radiation Oncology Cancer Center at Littleton Adventist Hospital.

Kelley earned her bachelor of science in Nursing at the University of Northern Colorado and master’s degree in Nursing Education at the University of Phoenix. She is currently in process of earning her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership at Regis University. Her mission is to care for others. This mission includes caring for others in every setting, at work, home and within the community. Kelley enjoys spending time with family and appreciates the beauty of the Colorado mountains in every season. She is happy to be a part of the amazing care team at Littleton Adventist Hospital.