Spotlight Interview: Edward Bronder, CFO of Amari Home Health and Hospice

Edward Bronder, CFO Amari Home Health and Hospice, Sacramento, CA

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Edward Bronder, CFO of Amari Home Health and Hospice, to learn more about his impressive career and his journey into the world of hospice care. From his early days in the Navy to his role in advancing medical technology, Ed's story is one of dedication and transformation. In this interview, he shares how personal experiences reshaped his understanding of hospice and his commitment to providing compassionate care at Amari.

1. Can you briefly summarize your career background?

I was born in western Pennsylvania and joined the Navy at 17, serving for ten years, including two tours in Vietnam. During my time in the Navy, I gained expertise in computer systems, which led me to a role with General Electric in 1976. They hired me to work on the first CAT scanners, and from there, my career in medical technology took off.

I transitioned into sales, working with advanced medical technologies like CAT scanners, MRI machines, and cardiac equipment. I spent time at Phillips Medical Systems and later joined Toshiba's startup cardiac division. One of my proudest achievements was being part of the team that worked on the sales side for the implementation and development of the PET scanner and secured Medicare approval for PET scanning. Over the years, I helped build radiation therapy centers, including the Disney Cancer Center at St. Joseph Hospital and the UC Davis Cancer Center.

2. How long have you been in healthcare?

I’ve been in healthcare since 1976 and retired from medical technology sales in 2011.

3. Are there any personal experiences that have shaped your commitment and passion for hospice and/or home health?

Yes, absolutely. My wife’s mother went through hospice, and unfortunately, it wasn’t a great experience. Initially, it left a negative impression on me. However, once I started working with our team at Amari, I gained a new understanding of what hospice care truly means and how impactful it can be. It reshaped my perspective, and now I’m incredibly passionate about it. I’ve also had friends who have become hospice patients, and that has only deepened my appreciation for the care we provide.

4. What other interests or hobbies do you have outside of Amari?

Outside of work, I love traveling with my wife—especially to places near water. I enjoy vacationing and spending time with my son, daughter, and grandchildren.

5. What would you like patients and families to know about home health care and/or hospice that they might not already know?

One of the biggest things is that the older population has earned this care. You’ve paid into Social Security and Medicare your entire life, and you deserve to benefit from it. Unfortunately, only about 48% of people take advantage of hospice care. Hospice helps people in the final stage of their life to have the best possible quality of life, and it’s a service that’s already earned. It’s about making the person as comfortable as possible within the limitations of their disease.

6. Are there any misconceptions about hospice that you would like to clarify for patients and families?

Yes, one of the most common misconceptions is that hospice care "kills people." The reality is the exact opposite. Hospice care is all about helping patients live as well as they can, for as long as they can. It’s not just for the patient either—it’s a tremendous benefit for the family as well, providing support and guidance during a challenging time.

7. What is your favorite thing about being in this business?

The people. The dedication and intensity of the staff who work in this field are incredible. The nurses who do hospice care here are unique —they’re independent, compassionate, and determined. It takes a special kind of person to do this work, and not everyone can. They find ways to be here every day, supporting our patients and their families.

8. What are the challenges of this business?

It’s tough dealing with death on a daily basis. There are also a lot of government regulations and requirements to follow. The business is complex, but those challenges are part of what makes this work so important and rewarding.

9. What distinguishes Amari from other agencies?

Without a doubt, it’s the people. Our team is dedicated and willing to do whatever it takes to care for our patients. The leadership at Amari, including Melissa and Nelli, our directors of patient care services, go above and beyond—whether it’s day or night, they are always there for our patients.

A heartfelt thank you to Ed for taking the time to share his insights and experiences. His dedication to both the technical and compassionate sides of healthcare is evident in everything he does. Edward’s journey, from his military service to his leadership at Amari, reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families. We are grateful for his leadership and proud to have him as part of the Amari team, helping us continue our mission of delivering exceptional, compassionate care. 

For more information on Home Health and Hospice care please visit www.amarihc.com