Privia Health Group (NASDAQ: PRVA) announced the appointment of Opella Ernest, M.D., to its board of directors, effective September 1, 2026. She will also serve on the board's Compliance Committee, according to a press release from the Arlington, Virginia-based company.

Dr. Ernest brings more than 20 years of healthcare executive experience. Since 2023, she has served as President of HCSC Markets at Health Care Service Corporation, overseeing strategic direction, clinical operations, and growth across all market segments. From 2021 to 2023, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at HCSC. Before joining HCSC in 2012, she held leadership roles at Healthspring and in clinical practices.

David King, Chairman of the Board at Privia Health, said Dr. Ernest "brings valuable clinical expertise and value-based care experience to the Board."

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Ernest holds a medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan. She serves on the boards of World Business Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, and previously chaired the American Heart Association's Metro Chicago board of directors.