Chad is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HighFive. As our fearless leader, Chad is responsible for the company’s overall growth and strategic direction. Chad also leads HighFive's diversity focus and maintains the company's culture through growth and community outreach. These pillars are the foundation of HighFive University and the non-profit HighFive For Healthcare (H54H). Chad ensures the team at HighFive becomes the leader in the endodontic & oral surgery industry that recruits, develops and retains great talent with a variety of backgrounds and skillsets.

Founder of Hospicelink, Chad served as CEO and chairman of the Board from December 2011 to January 2018. During that time, he completed a transaction selling a majority interest of Hospicelink to Blue Wolf Capital, a New York-based private equity firm. Under his strategic direction, the company earned Inc. 5000 recognition as one of Americas’ fastest-growing private companies in 2016, 2017 and 2018 with over $250M in annual revenues. He and a partner purchased the majority of Affinity Hospice in 2016. And in November 2018, they sold the company to a private equity firm in Miami with +500M undermanagement. The investment provided a 27x return to investors within 36 months.

From 2008 to 2012, Chad served as the founder and CEO of Independent Medical Equipment, which was Alabama’s largest DME company when he sold the business in 2012.

Chad started his career in finance and accounting at Deloitte, where he practiced tax advisory services. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Samford University. And he’s also a two-time nominee for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2016, 2018), an honor he won as a finalist in 2018.

Chad has been a leader in moving startups forward for several years, leveraging his experience and relationships to create sustainable value for his partners and shareholders. Chad is the proud owner of HighFive's mascot, Teddy.

Gavin Poole serves as HighFive's Chief Financial Officer. An accomplished finance executive with two decades of experience in the global healthcare industry, Gavin has focused on transformative mergers and acquisitions (M&A), seamless integration & strategic enablement, supporting the development of robust platforms. Gavin began his career in South Africa at Deloitte, initially in Entrepreneurial Services Audit and then moving into Corporate Finance. After supporting a successful IPO, Gavin joined a client, Dimension Data, as they expanded to the US and consummated several acquisitions in the technology industry.

As the years progressed, Gavin transitioned his focus towards healthcare, joining Henry Schein in 2003 where he was a finance leader in several platform developments including International expansion into Europe & Australia / NZ, Global Animal Health platform development, Strategic investments and partnerships & Global Oral Surgery platform (Incl. Camlog AG, BioHorizons). During this time Gavin developed extensive skills and experience in due diligence, structuring, post-merger integration – leveraged by his ability to harmonize diverse organizational cultures, streamline financial and operational processes, and enhancing value from emerging platforms. This capability not only minimized disruptions but also paved the way for accelerated growth and enhanced service delivery.

After 15 years with Henry Schein, Gavin joined Therapy Brands, a leader in practice management technology in the Behavioral Health sector. While there Gavin supported the strong organic growth opportunity, accompanied by ongoing strategic M&A opportunities. During his time at Dimension Data, Henry Schein and Therapy Brands, Gavin built effective finance functions focusing on high degrees of accuracy as well as strong analytics and business support, which he believes are keys to enabling solid decision making and sustained high growth rates. Gavin has developed the ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, coupled with a deep understanding of the intricacies of the healthcare industry, which has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor and a strategic enabler.

When not in the office, you can find Gavin on the trails, running or biking or out on the water with family and friends

Steve joined the HighFive team in July 2021 as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Prior to that time, Steve practiced law for more than 20 years with Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C. in Birmingham, Alabama, serving as co-chair of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Healthcare/Physician Practice Integration Transactions practice groups. Steve has experience in a wide variety of M&A engagements with an emphasis representing physician and dental practices in more than 35 states, health systems/hospitals, durable medical equipment providers, prescription benefit optimizers, skilled nursing and behavioral health facilities, healthcare IT companies and other healthcare-related ventures in both buy-side and sell-side M&A, including private equity platform and bolt-on transactions, strategic acquisitions and divestitures, joint ventures and other combinations.

As part of the HighFive executive leadership team, Steve leverages his background and experience in the development and implementation of HighFive’s strategic growth and operational initiatives. He works closely with the development, finance and operations teams to ensure that HighFive’s growth is provider-centered, legally compliant, culturally consistent and highly efficient. In his role, Steve also oversees and coordinates legal and compliance matters for the Company.

Steve received a B.A. in English from Auburn University in 1994 and a J.D. from The University of Alabama School of Law in 1997, where he served as a Senior Editor of the Alabama Law Review. Steve earned recognition as a Leading Practitioner in Healthcare Law by Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, has been included in The Best Lawyers In America in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Health Care Law and Corporate Law, and holds a preeminent AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

Steve is the proud husband to his amazing wife (Karen), dad to his two college-age children (Cole and Claire), and owner of three dogs (Scout, Brinkley and Cooper). Steve and his family are members of Church of the Highlands. He serves on the board of directors of The Jimmie Hale Mission and Forgotten Children Ministries (Honduras) and is a retired youth sports coach.

Angela began her Medical Sales Career with IMS Steris, where she gained valuable leadership experience in the highly-competitive scope repair service industry. She brings 20 years of cross functional medical device sales experience, winning multiple sales and leadership awards from Boston Scientific, Medtronic and J&J. Her professional development has been in sales training, sales team building, and multiple board seats in large employee resource groups focused on developing minority talent. Most recently she built and led a sales team of 10 for Ambu’s start up GI division.

As Chief Growth Officer, Angela sits on the executive leadership board with a focus on developing new markets and leading the business development team. Angela uses her background with over 20 years in the healthcare space to propel H5 to the next level in growth while aligning with the Operations team to sync company culture and capabilities with new growth. Angela and team will focus on using partnerships to propel business development and align with all parts of the organization.

Angela is the proud mom of three energetic and awesome children and a French bulldog named Bleu.

Meet Sharon Thomas - HighFive's Chief Operating Officer and Telecommunications Guru. Her rich knowledge in the healthcare industry is a result of decades of experience as a proven leader in everything from startups to national health companies. Her proactive management style results in all parties feeling heard and appreciated. She believes in the power of positivity and that building an organization with the foundational idea of 'Teammates are Family', positive results and success are the only possible outcomes.

As a leader and as an executive, Sharon's career in healthcare administration spans over 40 years. With more than half of that tenure being in the executive role. She believes everything starts with a positively great attitude and stepping into change with that foot first, makes her reputation as a 'Change Agent' successful professionally and personally. She values trust as the quintessential element for everyone to approach a new situation with a willingness and belief she has their best interest in mind. If the team wins, she wins, and she's won a lot!

Her detailed-oriented style has led revenue growth from $30m to $150m in less than two years. She led and implemented Six Sigma process improvement activities resulting in over $5m of savings in less than 10 months, all while maintaining a customer centric organization with positive client and patient experiences.

Sharon is married with two beautiful stepchildren and a very small, sweet Yorkshire Terrier, Lil B. She spends her personal time on the lake with her family and friends, soaking up the sun and bringing smiles to people's faces. Every day is an opportunity to bring love, and she doesn't waste a single one!

Carl is HighFive’s Chief Technology Officer & Chief Compliance & Privacy officer. In his 30 plus years in technology, Carl has been recognized as a strategic executive partner and a collaborative leader. He has built business-centric IT organizations, enabling growth, spearheading cost-conscious innovation, leading digital transformation and widespread change as CIO, CISO. A proponent of operational efficiency and service quality, Carl’s work has been crucial in streamlining operations, introducing advanced technologies, minimizing IT spend and maximum return on IT investments.

As an executive team member, Carl has developed thriving technology teams behind new platforms and improved business process, supporting global and US based manufacturing, financial services, software development, and defense operations. His career includes IT modernization, strategic planning, security strategy, M&A, and revenue generation for a sustainable business advantage.

Carl also has extensive experience in Information Security. He has led large security and compliance initiatives, bringing organizations into regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. He has developed enterprise-wide information security programs that were fully aligned with business and regulatory objectives.

As CTO, Carl will leverage his experience to push innovation and utilize technology to drive High5’s growth strategy by developing tools and technologies that provide an improved the patient experience. As Compliance Officer, he will oversee and manage all regulatory and compliance needs for HighFive.

Carl is married and has two grown kids. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, snow ski, spend time at the beach and with his two canine family members, Bear and Ozzy. He is an avid Alabama football fan.

Kathy is HighFive’s Vice President, Endodontic Practice Management. While it goes without saying, her passion for providing holistic solutions and strategic partnerships is unparalleled. Kathy brings breakthrough perspectives and strategies with three primary goals in mind -- achieving excellence in every area of endo operations, creating the ultimate patient care experience and building the best practices together. At HighFive, she believes in building upon each partners’ legacy, nurturing and recognizing the value of relationships, and empowering each team to grow not only professionally, but personally. Creating epic opportunities is Kathy’s M.O. As VP, she works alongside each business, doctor and their teams to identify ways to cultivate premier patient experiences with a focused, 360 view.

Kathy began her career in the healthcare industry in 1996. Since then, she has successfully developed and implemented team incentives, systems, HR training & development processes, and transformative business operations practices. She’s highly experienced in promoting a culture of excellence in extremely productive healthcare arenas. She also brings the highest levels of expertise by way of her own insights as a former business owner.

Kathy is a graduate of Samford University and received her MBA from the University of South Alabama.

She and her husband have been married for over 25 years and have three amazing children. Outside of work, she also loves spending time with them, preferably outdoors, exercising or at the beach.

Joe began his career in investment banking where he supported M&A, equity, and debt financing engagements across a variety of industries. After his time in investment banking, he transitioned into private equity where he led deal sourcing within multi-site healthcare services and fintech subsectors for a middle-market PE firm.

When not supporting our practices, Joe enjoys playing guitar, golfing, and hanging out with his wife and daughter.

Wood joined HighFive in 2020 and serves as an Associate Vice President. In this role, Wood’s responsibilities center around identifying, evaluating and executing HighFive’s strategic growth initiatives as well as other corporate strategic initiatives. Wood also plays an active role in our business development efforts, where he leads the evaluation and underwriting of prospective investment opportunities.

Prior to joining HighFive, Wood worked at Arlington Capital Advisors, a middle-market investment bank focused on providing financial and strategic advisory services to industry-leading consumer businesses. During his time at Arlington, Wood participated in the execution of numerous complex transactions across a wide-variety of capital continuums, including mergers & acquisitions, recapitalizations, growth capital raises and other capital-centric strategic financing solutions.

Wood received a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Auburn University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. In his free time, Wood enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends as well as hunting and fishing.

Zac is HighFive’s Vice President of Legal. As VP of Legal, Zac works with HighFive’s leadership team to support the company’s growth initiatives and the general legal needs of HighFive and its practices. His primary roles include handling the legal aspects of HighFive’s practice acquisitions and providing legal advice applicable to HighFive’s operations while collaborating with team members throughout the HighFive footprint. Zac is passionate about constantly improving legal processes to ensure the company’s operations are efficient, compliant, and innovative from a legal perspective.

Prior to joining HighFive, Zac was in-house counsel for RxBenefits, a Birmingham, Alabama-based prescription benefits company. Zac also gained experience in medical practice acquisitions and was exposed to a broad range of complex corporate legal matters during his time as an associate at Maynard, Cooper & Gale, P.C.

Zac graduated from Auburn University with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and a minor in Political Science. Zac then received his J.D. from the University of Virginia, where he was a Hardy Cross Dillard Scholar, Articles Editor for the Virginia Law & Business Review, and actively involved with the University of Virginia Entrepreneurial Law Clinic.

When he’s not in the office, Zac enjoys playing golf, watching Auburn football and basketball games, and spending time with his wife (Meghan) and daughter (Reese).

Davis is HighFive's Chief Culture Officer. Having an entire role to focus on maintaining, expanding, and celebrating their wonderful culture, speaks volumes into how much HighFive truly values its PEOPLE! One day you might find Davis producing the HighFive Morning Show, the next creating a 'Put in Positive' Tie Dye event. Even though his focus is diverse, there is always an underlining theme, The Power of a Smile.

Prior to HighFive, Davis co-founded the healthcare startup HospiceLink alongside his friend of twenty years, Chad Trull. During his tenure, he helped create and expand the fun, colorful culture from one to fifty states. He also served in similar capacity at the flagship Lululemon store in Santa Monica California, where he learned the fundamentals of company culture and how to connect with people from across the globe.

Davis earned his B.S. in business management with a concentration in entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

In his home life, Davis is smitten for his amazing wife (whom he met as a 12-year-old kiddo), and his Instagram-friendly dogs, WopWop and Willow. He’s also interested in slew of fun hobbies, spending his free time (and imagination) creating new characters for his children's books, golfing, running, doing yoga, surfing, playing tennis... Now that we think about it, he loves just about everything. When do you sleep, Davis??

Meet Caroline Jordan, HighFive’s Business Development Officer. She joined the HighFive family in 2021 and focuses on building trust and initiating relationships with new partners. She finds her professional purpose in presenting solutions to alleviate administrative burden and bolster success, with healthcare being her primary area of interest for the past several years.

Caroline enjoys providing current and future partners a sense of confidence as they join the HighFive family through networking, collaborating across departments, and meeting each new day with a sense of purpose and ambition. She understands the importance of trust and transparency and thrives when demonstrating the exciting opportunities that HighFive brings to the table.

Prior to joining the team at HighFive, Caroline served as a Regional Sales Director at a healthcare technology company and then went on to spend time in the Pharmaceutical space. She thoroughly enjoyed Samford University and graduated with a double major from the Brock School of Business with a concentration in professional sales. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Caroline loves to spend time outdoors. When she is not at the office or hitting the road for HighFive, you can find her hiking with her husband Matthew and goldendoodle Scout, playing golf, or spending time on the lake. Caroline and Matthew recently married and are members of Redeemer Community Church.

Kristin Tanner joins HighFive as a Business Development Officer with over 15 years of healthcare sales and account management experience. From a small town in SE Georgia, KT graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Psychology and has focused her career around intrapersonal relationships. From a startup e-commerce security company based in Atlanta to a global leader in medical device sales, she has carefully selected her moves and based them on the people and culture of each organization. Her experience includes market development, sales leadership, operational efficiencies, behavioral based marketing and everything in between. One constant was always present, the lasting connections she created with her colleagues, customers and leadership team.

The family dynamic, culture of collaboration and ability to create mutually beneficial partnership opportunities between HighFive and prospective physicians and their staff is what brought KT to the organization. That along with the unmatched talent and virtue of the team. For her, seeing firsthand the synergy between corporate and physician practices and the embodiment of happy people being the most productive is what excites her most.

KT has two incredible daughters that keep her quite busy but loves the hustle of her life as a mom. When she is not working, you will find her with her girls at the beach, the pool or at Disney World! She is a crazed UGA football fan, an enthused activist for Childhood Apraxia of Speech and Autism Awareness and when downtime does occur, her hobbies include reading, Botox and brunch. She also loves to travel anywhere that has sensational cuisine and a vibrant culture. To her, everything is about the people she meets and joining the HighFive family has been her most fulfilling professional decision to date!

Dr. Melvin Oakley is a Founder and Board Member of HighFive Health, L.L.C. Dr. Oakley is Chad Trull’s partner in Krowten Capital, L.L.C. and values this relationship far more than the business. Dr. Oakley has been an investor and advisor to many successful companies including Hospicelink, L.L.C.(2011), HighFive Health, L.L.C.(2018),Northwest Florida Land and Capital, L.L.C.(2007),Affinity Hospice, L.L.C.(2016), LifeCare Hospice, L.L.C. (2009), Independent Medical Equipment, L.L.C.(2011), Oakley Properties, L.L.C.(1992), and Respiratory Homecare, L.L.C(1986). Dr. Oakley founded and practiced medicine with Eufaula Internal Medicine from 1982 until 2017. EIM is now owned and operated by The Southeast Alabama Rural Health Associates.

Dr. Oakley is a graduate of The University of Richmond(1973). He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 1977. Dr. Oakley’s postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine was completed at the Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine in 1982. Dr. Oakley now serves as the Corporate Medical Director for Affinity Hospice headquartered in Birmingham, Al.

Dr. Oakley married Deborah Crews in 1969 and they have two children and three grandchildren. Dr. Oakley enjoys contributing to the creation and growth of businesses that benefit our community believing that “if you invest in honest people with great ideas, a successful business will follow.”

Dr. Thomas is a Board Member and owner of HighFive, where he serves as co-medical director overseeing quality and patient care. With more than 20 years of experience, he has grown from a single-office practice to a current corporation of ten endodontists across six locations.

Dr. Thomas is a native of Jackson, Tennessee. He attended the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa for his undergraduate studies and completed his four years of dental training at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry where he obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine. Dr. Thomas then completed a one-year general practice residency at the University of Alabama Hospital. He achieved his endodontic postgraduate degree at the University of Alabama, where he received his extensive training in endodontics.

Dr. Thomas is an active member of the American Association of Endodontics, the Southern Academy of Endodontics and the American Dental Association. He’s also involved in the Birmingham District Dental Society, the UAB Alumni Association and Christian Medical Ministries.

When Dr. Thomas is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Shannon, and four children, McKenzie, Reese, Kate and Stephen Jr. His hobbies include exercising, golfing and kicking back at the lake. He and his family attend the Church of the Highlands.

Dr. Collier is a Board Member and owner of HighFive, where he serves as co-medical director overseeing quality and patient care. He touts over 20 years of experience, expanding from a single-doctor practice to a current corporation of ten endodontists across six locations.

Dr. Collier is a native of Ozark, Alabama. He graduated from Samford University in 1991 with a B.S. in chemistry. He then obtained his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1995. Amongst other achievements, Dr. Collier graduated with the Operative Award for excellence in operative dentistry and completed his Endodontic postgraduate degree at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in 1997.

He’s an active member of the American Association of Endodontics, the Southern Endodontic Study Group and the American Dental Association. He’s involved in the Birmingham District Dental Society and the UA School of Dentistry Alumni Association. He’s also served as part-time instructor at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics.

Dr. Collier enjoys spending time with his wife Julie and three children, John Jr., Katherine and Elizabeth. He attends Shades Mountain Baptist Church. And in his spare time, he loves hunting, fishing and exercising.

Henry E. McKay was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from W.H. Kirk Academy as Valedictorian. Dr. McKay attended the University of Mississippi where he obtained a degree in Mathematics. He then attended the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, where he served as a national officer for the American Student Dental Association and graduated with high honors.

Dr. McKay’s residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery followed at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. His time there was spent extensively studying contemporary techniques in general anesthesia, critical care, trauma, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, dental implants, and dental alveolar surgery including wisdom teeth removal and bone grafting.

Dr. McKay has over 26 years of experience practicing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a Board-Certified member of American Academy of procedural medicine in facial aesthetics. He is also an active member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Association, the Alabama Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Birmingham District Dental Society.

Dr. McKay has spent several summers as a missionary in Central America during his college years, and has continued to play an active role in missions by accompanying several groups from Briarwood Christian High School to Managua, Nicaragua.

Dr. Christopher M. Rothman is originally from Boston, MA. He graduated from Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN and attended the University of Alabama where he received his Bachelor of Science. Dr. Rothman obtained his doctorate at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, where he had the privilege of serving on the Curriculum Committee. He graduated with High Honors and received numerous awards.

Dr. Rothman performed his residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at University Hospital at the University of Cincinnati. His training included anesthesia, dentoalveolar surgery, facial trauma, reconstructive surgery, cleft lip & palate surgery, pathology, advanced trauma life support, cardiology, plastic surgery and trauma surgery. He served as National Chairman of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Residents Organization.

Dr. Rothman has multiple board certifications. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and has been Board Certified by the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is a member of the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, Alabama Dental Association, Birmingham Dental Association, and the Alabama Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Dr. Rothman, is the co-founder of the Institute of Medical Emergency Preparedness. He has lectured and written extensively on the subject of medical emergency preparedness and training. Dentistry Today has recognized him as one of the Leaders in Continuing Education since 2009. Dr. Rothman co-developed the curriculum for Advanced Life Support for Dentistry (ALSD) and the Emergency Response System, which has been endorsed by both national and state organizations. The emergency training program he co-developed has been implemented in dental school curriculum throughout the United States.