Renee Sparks was named general manager and executive vice president of Hospice of Central Ohio, an affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice.

In her new role, Sparks will be responsible for standardizing care and outcomes and assuring delivery of superior care to each patient the organization has the privilege of serving in central Ohio.

“It is an honor and privilege to lead Hospice of Central Ohio,” Sparks said. “At Hospice of Central Ohio, our mission is to celebrate the lives of those we have the privilege of serving by providing superior care and superior services to each patient and family.”

Before being named to her new role, Sparks served as the vice president of Clinical Services for Hospice of Central Ohio for the past four years. During this time, she led the organization to achieve deemed status with The Joint Commission. Under her leadership, the palliative program at Hospice of Central Ohio also became Joint-Commission certified. She was instrumental in the affiliation with Ohio’s Hospice as well as leading the opening of the inpatient care center at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Sparks graduated from Ohio University in 1992 with an associate’s degree in nursing and became an RN. In 2005, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also earned a master’s degree in nursing administration in 2008 from University of Phoenix. She is a certified hospice and palliative nurse.

An affiliate of Ohio’s Hospice, Hospice of Central Ohio has provided a holistic, community-based approach to hospice care since 1982. With locations in Newark, Columbus, Lancaster and Zanesville, the not-for-profit organization serves nine counties in central Ohio and is dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. In addition, two inpatient care centers at Licking Memorial Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are available for symptom management.