Trinity Health Of New England Announces Leadership Appointments at Saint Francis and Saint Mary’s Hospitals
November 10, 2026HARTFORD, Conn. – Trinity Health Of New England has announced several leadership appointments that further strengthen clinical and operational leadership across its acute care hospitals.
Husnain Kermalli, MD, MS, has been named Chief Medical Officer of Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Kermalli most recently served as Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary's Hospital, a role he held since 2021. He previously served as Associate Director of the Hospitalist Program at Saint Francis.
Husnain Kermalli, MD, MS, has been named Chief Medical Officer at Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.
A practicing physician and experienced healthcare executive, Dr. Kermalli brings a strong track record of advancing quality outcomes, enhancing patient safety, increasing physician engagement and improving clinical performance.
"Dr. Kermalli's commitment to excellence in patient care and his collaborative leadership style have made a meaningful impact across our organization," said Robert Roose, MD, MPH, President, Acute Care, Trinity Health Of New England. "His experience and vision will help advance our efforts to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care throughout Saint Francis and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital."
Effective November 9, Asha Dhamija, MD, MPH, CHCQM, will assume the role of Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary's Hospital. Dr. Dhamija currently serves as Chief Medical Officer at Johnson Memorial Hospital, a position she has held since 2020. She will continue her responsibilities at Johnson Memorial while taking on her new role at Saint Mary's.
Dr. Dhamija is recognized for her leadership in quality improvement, patient throughput and operational performance. With extensive clinical experience and a strong background as a physician advisor, she has helped drive meaningful improvements in patient care and organizational performance.
The organization also announced the appointment of Shawna Edwards, DNP, RN, as Chief Nursing Officer for Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, effective November 23.
Edwards joins Saint Francis from Saint Mary's, where she has served as Chief Nursing Officer for several years. Prior to that role, she served as Director of Nursing Professional Practice and Innovation. Her expertise includes nursing professional development, evidence-based practice, LEAN methodologies and patient experience improvement. Among her accomplishments is the establishment of the Graduate Nursing Residency Program at Saint Mary's.
In addition, Zina Ruban, DNP, RN-BC, will serve as Interim Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Mary's as the organization continues to strengthen and evolve the hospital's leadership team.
"These leadership appointments reflect the depth of talent within our organization and our continued commitment to developing exceptional leaders," said Steven Hanks, MD, MMM, FACPM, FFSMB, President & CEO, Trinity Health Of New England. "Each of these individuals brings a proven record of advancing quality, strengthening culture, supporting colleagues and improving organizational performance. Together, they will help ensure we continue delivering exceptional care to the communities we serve."
Asha Dhamija, MD, MPH, CHCQM has been named Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary's Hospital.
Shawna Edwards, DNP, RN has been named Chief Nursing Officer at Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.