Independence Health System Names Erica Shaffer Chief Access Officer and Senior VP of Post-Acute Care

GREENSBURG, Pa., Nov. 17, 2025 – Independence Health System today announced the appointment of Erica Shaffer as its chief access officer and senior vice president of post-acute care. Shaffer joined the former Excela Health in 2011 and has led initiatives in home health and hospice, focusing on improving quality outcomes, enhancing patient experience and strengthening collaboration across the healthcare community.

As Chief Access Officer, Shaffer will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive patient access strategy across the system, partnering with senior leadership to assess, plan, and implement growth initiatives. This work includes creating an integrated ecosystem designed to optimize access and streamline care coordination across the continuum, ensuring patients experience seamless entry and navigation throughout the healthcare system.

Shaffer will continue as the senior operational leader for home health, hospice, case management, and post-acute partnerships, ensuring strategic alignment, quality outcomes and operational excellence.

“Erica’s vision and commitment to patient-centered care make her the ideal leader for this role,” said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of Independence Health System. “Her expertise will help us create a more connected experience for patients and families across our service areas while strengthening our partnerships across the continuum of care, keeping compassionate, expert care, here, in our communities.”

A Westmoreland County native, Shaffer earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University. She brings more than 20 years of experience in operations and business development to the role. To learn more about Independence Health System and its award-winning tertiary programs, visit www.independence.health. 

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 7,000 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties. 

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.