Baptist Health Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baptist Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, oncology, cardiovascular care, philanthropy, marketing, technology, finance, medical group management, and fiscal planning.

Committed to expanding access to high-quality medical services, Baptist Health delivers comprehensive care across a vast network of hospitals and clinics to improve community health outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Baptist Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Nathaniel Ortiz
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Troy Wells
  • Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami) - Michael Zinner
  • Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular - Tom Nguyen
  • Foundation Chief Executive Officer - Robert Baal
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Burgett
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Keith Tickell
  • Chief Operating Officer, BHMG - Shelley Neal
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Lawrence Montgomery
  • Chief Information Officer - Tricia Julian
  • Nathaniel Ortiz - Chief Executive Officer

    Nathaniel Ortiz, the Chief Executive Officer at Baptist Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit healthcare organization. Overseeing the integration of nine hospitals and over 300 care facilities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent delivery of medical services across Kentucky and surrounding regions. This leadership role involves aligning clinical excellence with operational efficiency to support the mission of providing accessible healthcare. By fostering partnerships with medical staff and administrative leaders, Ortiz drives the expansion of urgent care and diagnostic services. The Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on long-term sustainability while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide initiatives, Nathaniel Ortiz secures the organization's position as a premier provider of inpatient and outpatient care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients throughout the service area.
    Nathaniel Ortiz

    Troy Wells - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Troy Wells, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Baptist Health, manages the executive operations and strategic growth of the entire healthcare network. Coordinating with the board and senior leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer executes policies that strengthen the organization's market presence across multiple states. This role requires balancing the demands of inpatient rehabilitation facilities with the needs of express care clinics to ensure a seamless patient experience. By prioritizing innovation in healthcare delivery, Wells optimizes the performance of the vast network of facilities. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions initiatives that improve patient convenience, including the deployment of digital tools and mobile applications. Through consistent focus on operational excellence, Troy Wells maintains the organization's commitment to high-quality, nonprofit medical care, ensuring that the system remains responsive to the evolving health requirements of the communities served.
    Troy Wells

    Michael Zinner - Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami)

    Michael Zinner, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami) at Baptist Health, leads specialized oncology services and clinical research initiatives. Directing the Cancer Institute, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami) ensures that patients receive advanced diagnostic and treatment options within the network. This leadership role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive cancer care that integrates the latest medical breakthroughs. By overseeing the expansion of specialized oncology facilities, Zinner drives the organization's capability to address complex health challenges. The Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami) collaborates with other system leaders to align cancer care strategies with the broader mission of the organization. Through this focused approach, Michael Zinner elevates the standard of oncology services, ensuring that patients have access to world-class medical expertise.

    Tom Nguyen - Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular

    Tom Nguyen, the Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular at Baptist Health, oversees the strategic development and clinical performance of cardiovascular services across the entire network. Managing the heart and vascular programs, the Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular ensures that diagnostic and surgical services meet the highest standards of care. This role involves optimizing the delivery of specialized cardiac treatments to improve patient outcomes throughout the regional footprint. By aligning cardiovascular initiatives with the organization's broader medical goals, Nguyen drives efficiency and innovation in heart health. The Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular coordinates with hospital leadership to ensure that advanced vascular care remains accessible to all patients. Through rigorous management of clinical resources and staff, Tom Nguyen strengthens the organization's reputation for excellence in cardiovascular medicine, ensuring that the system remains at the forefront of heart health technology and patient support.

    Robert Baal - Foundation Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Baal, the Foundation Chief Executive Officer at Baptist Health, directs philanthropic efforts and community engagement to support the organization's mission. Overseeing the foundation's fundraising activities, the Foundation Chief Executive Officer secures the financial resources necessary to enhance medical facilities and patient services. This leadership role involves building relationships with donors and community partners to advance the organization's long-term goals. By managing charitable initiatives, Baal ensures that the system can continue to provide comprehensive care, including specialized services and community health programs. The Foundation Chief Executive Officer works closely with the executive team to align philanthropic priorities with the strategic needs of the hospitals and clinics. Through effective stewardship of charitable funds, Robert Baal supports the expansion of healthcare delivery, ensuring that the organization maintains its commitment to serving the public good and improving health outcomes across the entire service region.

    John Burgett - Chief Financial Officer

    John Burgett, the Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Health, manages the fiscal health and financial planning for the organization. Overseeing budgeting, revenue cycle management, and capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the system maintains the financial stability required to operate nine hospitals and numerous clinics. This role involves analyzing financial performance to support strategic decision-making and resource allocation across the network. By directing financial operations, Burgett enables the organization to invest in new medical technologies and facility expansions. The Chief Financial Officer works with the executive team to ensure that fiscal policies align with the mission of providing nonprofit healthcare. Through rigorous financial oversight and risk management, John Burgett secures the long-term viability of the system, ensuring that the organization can continue to deliver comprehensive medical services to the communities served while maintaining operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

    Keith Tickell - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Keith Tickell, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Health, leads the strategic financial initiatives and long-term economic planning for the organization. Overseeing the financial health of the system, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer directs capital planning and investment strategies to support the growth of the hospital network. This role involves evaluating the financial impact of new service lines and facility expansions to ensure alignment with the organization's mission. By managing the financial structure, Tickell drives the efficiency of the system's fiscal operations. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board and executive leadership to maintain the organization's financial strength and sustainability. Through expert financial analysis and strategic oversight, Keith Tickell ensures that the system possesses the necessary resources to provide comprehensive medical services, ultimately supporting the organization's commitment to community health and operational success.
    Keith Tickell

    Shelley Neal - Chief Operating Officer, BHMG

    Shelley Neal, the Chief Operating Officer, BHMG at Baptist Health, directs the daily operations and administrative functions of the medical group. Overseeing the management of clinics and physician practices, the Chief Operating Officer, BHMG ensures that clinical workflows are efficient and patient-centered. This leadership role involves coordinating staff resources and operational processes to support the delivery of primary and specialty care. By optimizing the performance of the medical group, Neal drives improvements in patient access and service quality. The Chief Operating Officer, BHMG collaborates with other system leaders to ensure that the medical group's operations align with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Through effective management of clinical facilities and administrative teams, Shelley Neal enhances the operational capacity of the network, ensuring that the system provides consistent, high-quality care across all locations while maintaining a focus on operational excellence and patient satisfaction.

    Lawrence Montgomery - Chief Marketing Officer

    Lawrence Montgomery, the Chief Marketing Officer at Baptist Health, manages the brand strategy and public communication for the entire healthcare network. Overseeing marketing campaigns and patient outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the organization's services, including urgent care and physical therapy, are effectively communicated to the public. This role involves analyzing market trends to identify opportunities for growth and patient engagement. By directing the digital presence and advertising efforts, Montgomery strengthens the organization's reputation as a trusted provider of medical care. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with other executives to ensure that the brand identity aligns with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. Through strategic messaging and community-focused initiatives, Lawrence Montgomery drives patient acquisition and retention, ensuring that the organization remains a preferred choice for medical services across the region while maintaining a strong, consistent presence in the competitive healthcare market.

    Tricia Julian - Chief Information Officer

    Tricia Julian, the Chief Information Officer at Baptist Health, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation of the healthcare system. Overseeing the implementation of electronic health records and the mobile app for patient convenience, the Chief Information Officer ensures that data systems support efficient clinical operations. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity and information technology resources to protect patient privacy while enabling seamless care delivery across all 300 facilities. By driving innovation in health information technology, Julian optimizes the flow of information between providers and patients. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with clinical and administrative leaders to integrate digital solutions that improve the quality and accessibility of medical services. Through the strategic management of technology, Tricia Julian supports the organization's mission, ensuring that the system remains technologically advanced and capable of meeting the complex data requirements of a modern, multi-state healthcare network.
    Tricia Julian

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baptist Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baptist Health?
    Baptist Health is led by Nathaniel Ortiz (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Troy Wells (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Zinner (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami)).
    Who is part of Baptist Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baptist Health includes leaders such as Nathaniel Ortiz (Chief Executive Officer), Troy Wells (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Zinner (Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Baptist Health have?
    Baptist Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Baptist Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Baptist Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director, Cancer Institute & Baptist Health Cancer Care (Miami), Chief Executive Officer, System Baptist Heart & Vascular, Foundation Chief Executive Officer.