Ava Padmore-Lewis

Chief Human Resources Officer

Ava Padmore-Lewis is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer of VITAS Healthcare, the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care. Ava leads human resources strategy and execution to elevate engagement, foster a thriving culture, and deliver a best-in-class employee experience. 

Ava has more than 20 years of experience leading HR professionals in mission-driven organizations. In 2021, she joined VITAS as senior director of human resources for the Northeast Division. She consistently elevated human resources standards across the company through a collaborative approach with operational leaders, prioritizing innovation, growth, and people excellence.  

Prior to joining VITAS, Ava held positions of increasing responsibility at Young Adult Institute, an organization providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In her role as director, she developed and executed HR strategies, programs, and initiatives aligned with the company's business goals. She also established partnerships with local organizations to match job seekers with schools/ training programs and career opportunities, creating a pipeline of entry-level employees and bolstering the frontline workforce. 

Ava received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Hunter College in New York, New York. She is an active alumna and provides support on initiatives regarding advancement and communications for the university. She also serves as a special education liaison to the Maplewood School District Board of Education in New Jersey.