Covenant Health Names Matt Sturm Senior Vice President of Oncology Services

Cancer care is one of the most important healthcare needs facing East Tennessee families. As Covenant Health continues to strengthen and expand services across the region, the organization has added an experienced national leader to help guide the future of oncology care. 

Covenant Health has named Matt Sturm senior vice president of oncology services, strengthening the organization’s leadership team and supporting the continued growth of Covenant Health Cancer Care. 

As East Tennessee’s locally governed, not-for-profit health system, Covenant Health serves patients across 25 counties and reinvests resources into local healthcare services and programs. In his new role, Sturm will lead the health system’s long-term oncology strategy and help advance cancer care services across the region. 

Helping shape the future of cancer care in East Tennessee

Sturm brings more than 20 years of oncology leadership and advisory experience. Before joining Covenant Health, he served as partner and oncology practice leader with ECG Management Consultants, where he co-led the firm’s Center for Advanced Oncology. 

During his consulting career, Sturm completed nearly 200 oncology engagements in 30 states, partnering with health systems to develop, strengthen and expand cancer programs. His work included collaborations with many of the nation’s leading cancer centers, including several National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers. 

Supporting the future of cancer care in East Tennessee 

Sturm joins Covenant Health during a period of continued growth and alignment for cancer services across East Tennessee. Working closely with physicians, clinical leaders and operational teams, he will help strengthen coordination across the cancer care continuum, expand access to services and support the organization’s vision for the future of oncology care. 

“Matt is a nationally respected oncology leader,” said Jon-David Deeson, executive vice president of physician enterprise and ambulatory services for Covenant Health. “He brings the strategic insight and collaborative leadership needed to strengthen our cancer program and expand access.” 

Advancing cancer services through collaboration 

In addition to his consulting and health system experience, Sturm has held leadership roles with the Association of Cancer Executives and the Association of Community Cancer Centers. He is also co-author and editor of Oncology: Strategies for Superior Service Line Performance. 

His broad perspective on cancer care delivery, physician engagement and program development will help support Covenant Health’s ongoing efforts to provide coordinated, patient-centered oncology services throughout the region. 

Helping more patients receive exceptional care close to home 

For Sturm, the opportunity to join Covenant Health was rooted in the organization’s commitment to patients and communities across East Tennessee. 

“I joined Covenant Health because of its foundation of clinical expertise, compassionate care and community trust,” Sturm said. “I look forward to working with our physicians, caregivers and leaders across the system to strengthen services and help more patients receive exceptional care.” 

As Covenant Health continues to invest in cancer care, Sturm’s experience and leadership will help support the organization’s mission of improving the quality of life through better health while ensuring patients have access to expert, compassionate cancer care close to home.