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Our talented group of professionals work together as a team to provide the most effective, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art care for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Thomas Pulzone
Executive Director
An experienced healthcare administrator and corporate financial officer with a passion for community and family, Thomas Pulzone has served as First Coast Heart and Vascular Center’s Executive Director since 2022. He joined our team after a sixteen-year tenure as Chief Operating Officer for Orthopedic Associates of St. Augustine, where he led his team in developing financial, procedural, and operational strategies focused on improving patient care and service delivery. Thom earned a B.A. in Accounting and Business Management from Flagler College. He is a Certified Medical Practice Executive and a Certified Public Accountant. He served as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine and volunteers at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A long-time resident of the First Coast, Thom enjoys spending time on the waters of Northeast Florida with his wife Kerry and their blended family of six adult children.
An experienced healthcare administrator and corporate financial officer with a passion for community and family, Thomas Pulzone has served as First Coast Heart and Vascular Center’s Executive Director since 2022. He joined our team after a sixteen-year tenure as Chief Operating Officer for Orthopedic Associates of St. Augustine, where he led his team in developing financial, procedural, and operational strategies focused on improving patient care and service delivery. Thom earned a B.A. in Accounting and Business Management from Flagler College. He is a Certified Medical Practice Executive and a Certified Public Accountant. He served as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine and volunteers at Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort in Central Florida that provides cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A long-time resident of the First Coast, Thom enjoys spending time on the waters of Northeast Florida with his wife Kerry and their blended family of six adult children.
Tanya Sandersfield
Director of Operations
As a visionary leader with excellent management skills and a knack for directing company operations in a patient-minded direction, Tanya Sandersfield has been helping First Coast Heart and Vascular reach their true potential for over 10 years. As the current Director of Operations at First Coast Heart and vascular, she leverages her exceptional leadership and teamwork skills to ensure that objectives are completed on time for delivery to the patients. Additionally, she oversees the smooth operation of 8 locations spanning 4 counties. As the Director of Operations, Tanya is directly responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day clinics run efficiently while ensuring excellent patient care.
Tanya is known to assist employees in all aspects of operations from front desk staff to clinic leads/managers. Her ability to quickly assess situations and learn on the spot has enabled her to make far-reaching decisions for the practice.
In her own time, she enjoys her days at the beach, boating and spending time with family.
Connect with Tanya on LinkedIn.
Michelle R Conlon, BA, BS, RDCS, RVS
Director of Ancillary Services and Cardiac & Vascular Diagnostic Medical Sonographer at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center
Michelle is a seasoned healthcare professional with over 13 years of experience in Ancillary Management and Cardiac and Vascular Sonography. Currently serving as the Director of Ancillary Services at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center, Michelle’s role is to oversee and manage the Cardiac and Vascular Ultrasound Department and the Nuclear Medicine Department at every location for the practice.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with a concentration in Cardiac from the American Institute College of Health Professions and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Management from Flagler College in St Augustine, FL. She is a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer by ARDMS and a Registered Vascular Sonographer by CCI. She is also a member of the American Society of Echocardiography and the Society of Vascular Ultrasound.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys scuba diving, off shore and in shore fishing, paddle boarding, beach walks and traveling with her husband and children. She also loves taking her White Shepard mix, Mahi to various dog parks and beaches to play with other dog friends. Madelyn kitty joins in on neighborhood walks as well!
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.
E-mail:
Michelle.Conlon@firstcoastheart.com
Luis Pacheco
Information Technology Manager
Luis Pacheco has 25 years of extensive IT experience. He has worked across managed service providers (MSPs), the private sector, government, and the healthcare industry. Currently, he serves as the Information Technology Manager at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center. In this role, Luis oversees the design, implementation, and maintenance of a secure network infrastructure connecting nine locations. His expertise ensures seamless connectivity and optimal performance to support critical cardiovascular services. Luis is also responsible for maintaining servers and databases, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to electronic health records (EHR).
Luis is known for his quick and effective remediation skills and is recognized as an optimization-focused thought leader. His extensive experience in software implementation, support, and maintenance, along with a strong history of managing complex infrastructure and data center operations, showcases his technical proficiency. His expertise in database management, network security, and Active Directory management has significantly enhanced productivity and reduced operational costs.
Apart from his technical skills, Luis is an exceptionally dedicated professional with outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Outside work, he enjoys mountain biking and spending time at the beach, demonstrating his dedication to maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle.
Maria Rodriguez
Marketing Manager at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center | Digital Marketing Expert
Maria is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing strategies, event planning and brand management. Currently serving as the Marketing Manager at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center, Maria role is to create marketing strategies and drive innovative campaigns that will achieve business objectives.
Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. She is an active member of the St. John’s County Chamber of Commerce and Beaches Hospitality Network.
Throughout her career, Maria has spearheaded successful marketing initiatives that have resulted in significant revenue growth and brand visibility. Her expertise lies in strategic marketing planning, social media marketing, SEO, content creation, graphic design, Web design, and data analytics. Maria has won several international design awards including Platinum and Gold MarCom awards.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys cycling, scuba diving, weightlifting, painting, traveling, and cooking. She also spends time with her son Garrett and her grandpup, Barley. Maria finds herself volunteering for the Jacksonville Humane Society and First Coast No More Homeless Pets. She is currently writing and illustrating a children’s book inspired by her passion for helping animals.
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.
Email:
Maria.Rodriguez@firstcoastheart.com
Maria is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing strategies, event planning and brand management. Currently serving as the Marketing Manager at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center, Maria role is to create marketing strategies and drive innovative campaigns that will achieve business objectives.
Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. She is an active member of the St. John’s County Chamber of Commerce and Beaches Hospitality Network.
Throughout her career, Maria has spearheaded successful marketing initiatives that have resulted in significant revenue growth and brand visibility. Her expertise lies in strategic marketing planning, social media marketing, SEO, content creation, graphic design, Web design, and data analytics. Maria has won several international design awards including Platinum and Gold MarCom awards.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys cycling, scuba diving, weightlifting, painting, traveling, and cooking. She also spends time with her son Garrett and her grandpup, Barley. Maria finds herself volunteering for the Jacksonville Humane Society and First Coast No More Homeless Pets. She is currently writing and illustrating a children’s book inspired by her passion for helping animals.
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.
Email:
Maria.Rodriguez@firstcoastheart.com
Samantha Christie Sanchez
Finance Manager at First Coast Heart & Vascular Center
Samantha Christie Sanchez joined First Coast Heart & Vascular Center as a Finance Manager in April, 2023. As Finance Manager, Samantha works with First Coast Heart’s Board of Directors, Physicians, and the Leadership team as she is responsible for managing the financial health of the organization in order to promote success and growth while maintaining legal financial practices. In addition to Finance, Samantha assists with the Human Resources and Payroll functions for the company. These duties include maintaining the HR platforms, Insurance & Retirement plans, Compliance Trainings, and Benefits for the company. She also assists new employees with the onboarding process and guides current employees with life events.
Prior to joining First Coast Heart & Vascular Center, Samantha worked 8 years for the Orthopedic Associates of St. Augustine. She has spent 5 years in the Finance Department as a Financial Analyst and Finance Manager. She has spent 4 years in Human Resources and Payroll roles.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, her 2 children and a third child on the way! She loves going on adventures and exploring new cities with her family. She also loves to travel to North Carolina and go river tubing.
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