Our Team

Rance M. Sanders

President and CEO

Rance M. Sanders, a distinguished attorney and real estate innovator, has helped shape the industry over a remarkable four-decade career. Since 1989, he has been a trailblazer in healthcare real estate, earning the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers for his transformative contributions.  As Founder and CEO of The Sanders Trust, Mr. Sanders and his team have delivered state-of-the-art healthcare properties designed to enhance patient experiences and outcomes through compassionate care environments.

A passionate philanthropist, Mr. Sanders established the Sanders Family Foundation, which empowers disadvantaged students by funding scholarships and grants for meaningful educational opportunities. His commitment to education extends to the University of Alabama, where the Rance M. Sanders Real Estate Program ranks among the nation’s best, offering students hands-on learning to hone real-world skills. He also serves on the University’s President’s Cabinet and as a board member of the 1831 Foundation.

Mr. Sanders holds a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Alabama School of Law and a B.S. in Finance, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His expertise in finance and real property law underpins his success as a leader and innovator.

 

Steve B. Hewett

Executive Vice President,
Chief Investment Officer

Mr. Hewett joined The Sanders Trust in 2010 and brings more than 30 years of diversified financial management experience to the Company. His primary responsibilities include managing acquisition activity and arranging debt/equity financing as needed for portfolio expansion.  Mr. Hewett founded the Healthcare Banking Services Department for AmSouth Bank (now Regions Financial Corp).  Mr. Hewett left the banking sector to be the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Quorum Health Group (later sold to NYSE-traded Community Health Systems). Here he was responsible for overseeing all accounting, tax and treasury functions for this $1.5 Billion plus revenue company.  Since 2002, he has been actively engaged in a variety of real estate acquisition and development projects. He holds a BS degree in Corporate Finance/Investments and an MBA from The University of Alabama System, and completed The Stonier Graduate School of Banking Executive Program, at The University of Delaware, graduating with honors.

Darrell O. Simpson

Senior Vice President, Development

Mr. Simpson brings more than 30 years of healthcare design and construction experience to The Sanders Trust. His primary focus is the oversight of active construction projects as well as generating new development opportunities. He has held senior management positions with two of the nation’s leading general contractors specializing in healthcare projects. Mr. Simpson started his career with Robins & Morton, one of the nation’s leading healthcare builders and was assigned to the HCA account. In 1990, he was recruited by HealthSouth Corporation (now Encompass Health) where he was involved in the development of over 13 greenfield Inpatient Rehabilitation hospitals over a 9-year period. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Development and Implementation for Centerre Healthcare, a leading inpatient rehabilitation provider partnering with some of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. Mr. Simpson holds a BS degree in Building Science from Auburn University.

Donna G. Albright

CPA, Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer

Ms. Albright has more than 30 years of experience in corporate accounting and strategic financial leadership. Her role at the Company includes accounting, strategic planning, financial analysis, cash management and investor relations.  Previously, she served as Vice President of Accounting and Finance for Equity Resources, a multi-family real estate investment company headquartered in Birmingham, AL. Prior to Equity Resources, she enjoyed a 20-year tenure in various management and director positions within the corporate finance department at BellSouth/AT&T. Her responsibilities included the management of external financial reporting to shareholders, financial markets, and the SEC. In addition, she served as Director of Asset Management, tracking the company’s $4 billion of network properties. Ms. Albright holds an MBA from Emory University and a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Alabama.

Hurston W. Raley

Vice President,
Asset Management

Hurston joined the Company in 2018 and is responsible for maximizing the value of the firm’s portfolio by reducing operating costs, improving efficiencies, and strengthening tenant relationships to maintain high occupancy. He also plays a key role in the firm’s acquisition and disposition initiatives. Before joining the Company, Hurston accumulated more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience with Cushman & Wakefield | EGS in Birmingham. He was recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree and previously served as president and long-time board member of the Alabama Chapter of NAIOP, a Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Hurston earned a BBA with an emphasis in real estate from the University of Mississippi and is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Alabama.

Thomas Henry, Jr.

Vice President, Development

Thomas joined the Company in 2020. His role includes coordination and execution of development projects and investment activities. Prior to The Sanders Trust, he worked with Charlotte-based Faison Investments and Birmingham-based Harbert Realty Services. He holds a Master of Real Estate Development degree from Clemson University and a BS degree in Economics from The University of Southern Maine. While at USM, he was on a golf scholarship and served as co-captain of the team. Mr. Henry also serves in leadership roles on the Auburn Harbert College of Business MRED Program advisory board, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center advisory board, and acts as President of Bridgeways of Alabama advisory board.

Melissa Weatherly

Director of Accounting

Melissa has been with The Sanders Trust since 2008 and has over 20 years of experience in the accounting field, serving both public accounting firms and the private sector. She is responsible for financial reporting, financial statement preparation and analysis, journal entries and reconciliations. Melissa resides in Hoover, AL with her husband, where she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Steve A. Christian

CPA, Financial Advisor

Mr. Christian manages Tusk Asset Management, a family office entity that provides investment, financial, tax and estate planning services to the Sanders family. He also consults extensively with both Sanders Capital Partners and The Sanders Trust on business and financial matters. Prior to starting Tusk in 2018, Mr. Christian served for many years as President of the public accounting firm Christian & Denaburg, PC. Previously, he was employed as a Senior Tax Accountant with Arthur Young (now Ernst & Young). A member of the International Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma, he graduated in 3 years with honors in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama. Mr. Christian has been an instructor for the AICPA on real estate taxation and is a member of the AICPA and the Alabama Society of CPAs. Mr. Christian has been an advisor to Mr. Sanders and his real estate investments in some capacity for more than 30 years.

Leigh Ann Cook

Property Manager

Leigh Ann is involved in numerous property management activities including vendor & personnel communication, insurance & lease compliance matters, accounts payable processing, operating expense reconciliations & tenant relations. She received her BS & MA in Health Studies from the University of Alabama while simultaneously earning a letter for the Women’s Rowing Team where she was inducted into the 2012 CUSA Women’s Rowing All-Conference Team. She is an active member of the University of Alabama A Club which is a program for alumni who have lettered in their respective sport. She completed the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and enjoys local volunteer work, specifically in areas involving literacy advancement and the education of young children.