Erlanger Health System Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Erlanger Health System has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, neurological clinical services, and legal compliance.

Committed to advancing regional medical standards, Erlanger Health System delivers specialized care across a vast four-state territory while fostering innovation through clinical research and academic partnerships.

Leadership Roles at Erlanger Health System

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mike Stevenson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephanie Gary
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer - Jeffrey Woodard
  • Neuro - Sharon Clay
  • Mike Stevenson - Chief Executive Officer

    Mike Stevenson, the Chief Executive Officer at Erlanger Health System, directs the overarching strategic vision for this comprehensive teaching hospital network. Stevenson manages the integration of clinical research with patient care delivery across the expansive 50,000-square-mile service area. By aligning the hospital system with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that medical education remains a core pillar of the organizational mission. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain high-quality standards across all 50 medical specialties. Mike Stevenson drives operational excellence by prioritizing investments in advanced technology and specialized facilities, such as the regional children's hospital. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of healthcare services for diverse communities. Ultimately, Stevenson maintains the reputation of the institution as the premier provider of complex medical care within the region.

    Stephanie Gary - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephanie Gary, the Chief Financial Officer at Erlanger Health System, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for this multi-state medical network. Gary oversees the budgeting processes that support the operation of over 50 medical specialties, ensuring that resources reach critical departments like cardiology and orthopaedics. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue cycles and cost-efficiency initiatives to sustain the financial viability of the teaching hospital system. By analyzing market trends across the four-state service region, Gary provides the data-driven insights necessary for the Board to approve major infrastructure projects. Stephanie Gary coordinates with department heads to optimize resource distribution, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care. This leadership role requires balancing the demands of clinical expansion with the necessity of maintaining a robust balance sheet. Through disciplined financial management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the community.
    Stephanie Gary
    Jeffrey Woodard, the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Erlanger Health System, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies for the organization. Woodard manages the complex legal framework required to operate a teaching hospital system affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer ensures that all clinical research and medical service agreements align with state and federal healthcare regulations. By providing counsel on governance and institutional policy, Woodard protects the interests of the hospital system while facilitating growth across the four-state region. Jeffrey Woodard collaborates with the executive team to mitigate operational risks and resolve disputes that could impact patient care delivery. This leadership role involves overseeing contract negotiations and ensuring that the institution maintains its accreditation standards. Through proactive legal oversight, the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer secures the integrity of the entire healthcare system.
    Jeffrey Woodard

    Sharon Clay - Neuro

    Sharon Clay, the Neuro at Erlanger Health System, directs the clinical operations and specialized treatment protocols for neurological services across the entire hospital network. Clay manages the multidisciplinary teams responsible for complex brain and spine care, ensuring that patients receive advanced interventions within the 50,000-square-mile service region. The Neuro coordinates with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center to integrate cutting-edge research into daily clinical practice. By overseeing the expansion of neurological diagnostic capabilities, the Neuro improves patient outcomes for diverse conditions. This leadership role involves managing high-acuity care units and ensuring that medical staff adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Sharon Clay drives the development of specialized neurological programs that distinguish the hospital system from other regional providers. Through constant evaluation of clinical performance metrics, the Neuro ensures that neurological services remain at the forefront of medical innovation and patient-centered care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Erlanger Health System Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Erlanger Health System?
    Erlanger Health System is led by Mike Stevenson (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Stephanie Gary (Chief Financial Officer) and Jeffrey Woodard (Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer).
    Who is part of Erlanger Health System’s executive team?
    The executive team of Erlanger Health System includes leaders such as Mike Stevenson (Chief Executive Officer), Stephanie Gary (Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Woodard (Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Erlanger Health System have?
    Erlanger Health System has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Erlanger Health System’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Erlanger Health System includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Neuro.