American Oncology Network Appoints Ella Friedman as President, Network Operations
Rhea-AI Summary
American Oncology Network (NASDAQ:AONC) appointed Ella Friedman as president, network operations, effective June 11, 2026. She brings over 25 years of healthcare leadership across oncology, specialty care and multi-site operations and will oversee practice operations, strategic growth, integrations and infrastructure development across AON’s national community oncology network.
Positive
- 25+ years of healthcare leadership experience in oncology and multi-site operations
- New president to oversee practice operations, growth initiatives and integrations across the network
- Background includes full P&L responsibility and practice integrations at The US Oncology Network
- Experience leading one of the nation’s largest community oncology practices at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
- Prior role leading strategic planning and acquisitions at renal care provider Gambro Healthcare
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09 | Physician addition | Positive | -99.2% | Florida Oncology and Hematology adds Dr. Vitor Pastorini to its team. |
| May 21 | Network affiliation | Positive | +0.0% | Zangmeister Cancer Center affiliates with OSUCCC – James to expand trial access. |
| Apr 30 | Physician addition | Positive | +2.8% | MidAmerica Cancer Care and AON welcome oncologist Dr. Syed Karim in Belton. |
| Apr 22 | Conference participation | Positive | +16.1% | AON to present 11 sessions at the 2026 Community Oncology Alliance conference. |
| Mar 05 | Practice acquisition | Positive | -7.3% | Oncology Consultants joins AON, expanding locations and practitioner base in South Texas. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Operational and growth-focused news has often met with mixed or negative price reactions, including a sharp decline following recent positive practice expansion news.
Over the past few months, American Oncology Network has focused on network expansion and visibility. On Mar 5, Oncology Consultants joined AON, adding 18 locations and significant clinical resources, yet the stock fell. Subsequent conference participation on Apr 22 saw a double-digit gain, while physician additions and affiliate announcements on Apr 30, May 21, and Jun 9 produced mixed to sharply negative reactions. Today’s leadership appointment fits this pattern of operational growth news against a pressured share price.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
FORT MYERS, Fla., June 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing community oncology networks, today announced the appointment of Ella Friedman as president, network operations.
“We are excited to welcome Ella to AON’s executive leadership team,” said Todd Schonherz, AON’s chief executive officer. “Ella brings decades of healthcare leadership experience and a proven track record of driving operational excellence, strategic growth and practice performance. Her deep expertise in oncology and multi-site healthcare operations will be instrumental as we continue expanding access to high-quality, community-based cancer care across the country.”
Friedman brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience spanning oncology, specialty care and multi-site healthcare operations. In her new role, she will oversee practice operations, strategic growth initiatives, integrations, operational excellence and infrastructure development across AON’s national network of physician practices.
“I am honored to join AON and contribute to its mission of transforming cancer care in local communities,” said Friedman. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting physicians, strengthening operations and improving the patient experience. I look forward to working alongside AON’s talented team to continue delivering exceptional care and advancing the future of community oncology.”
Prior to joining AON, Friedman served as regional senior vice president and previously senior vice president of operations for The US Oncology Network, where she was responsible for operations management, strategic planning, physician recruitment, marketing and practice growth across multiple states. During her tenure, she held full profit-and-loss responsibility and played a key role in practice integrations, market expansion, operational restructuring and leadership development. She also served as executive director of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, one of the nation’s largest community oncology practices.
“Ella’s extensive experience leading complex healthcare organizations and supporting practice growth makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Stephen “Fred” Divers, MD, AON’s chief medical officer. “Her collaborative leadership style and commitment to operational excellence will help strengthen our network and support our mission of delivering patient-centered cancer care close to home.”
Before entering oncology, Friedman served as senior vice president of business planning and development for Gambro Healthcare, a global leader in renal care services, where she led strategic planning, payer strategy, acquisitions, marketing and growth initiatives.
Friedman earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in finance and international business from the Sawyer School of Management at Suffolk University. She also completed the Advanced Management Program in International Business at IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
For more information about AON, visit AONcology.com.
About American Oncology Network
American Oncology Network (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success and viability of community oncology and other specialties. Founded in 2018, AON’s rapidly expanding network represents more than 350 providers practicing across 21 states. AON pioneers innovative healthcare solutions through its physician-led model, fostering value-based care that improves patient outcomes while reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. AON equips its network physicians with the tools they need to thrive independently while providing comprehensive support, integrated revenue-diversifying ancillary services, and practice management expertise, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest standard of care for every patient. AON is committed to promoting health equity by addressing disparities in cancer care and ensuring that all patients have access to the care they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, AON is shaping the future of community oncology. For more information, please visit AONcology.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36e65e37-7314-4121-98c4-99bf0d002ae6
Media Contact: Karen Riley Sawyer American Oncology Network Karen.Sawyer@AONcology.com