Erlanger Health System Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Erlanger Health System has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, legal, administration, and medical operations.

Dedicated to advancing healthcare excellence, Erlanger Health System provides comprehensive tertiary care across a vast region, upholding a commitment to innovation and patient well-being.

Leadership Roles at Erlanger Health System

  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - J. Britton Tabor
  • Chief of Staff (Md) - David Sapp
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Wendy Fournet
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jeffrey Woodard
  • Chief Legal Officer, Acting - Stephen Lasky
  • J. Britton Tabor - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    J. Britton Tabor, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Erlanger Health System, directs all financial operations for the expansive healthcare network. Overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, Tabor ensures fiscal stability across seven hospitals and numerous specialized centers. This leadership role involves managing the financial implications of providing tertiary care services to a 50,000 square-mile region, encompassing southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama, and western North Carolina. By optimizing financial strategies, J. Britton Tabor directly supports the system's mission to deliver high-level trauma, critical, and inpatient care, including specialized services for pediatrics and neonates. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to the financial viability of the six-helicopter medical transport fleet and centers of excellence in bariatrics, cancer, heart and lung, neuroscience, orthopedics, surgery, trauma, urology, and women's services. Tabor's financial acumen is critical for maintaining Erlanger's position as the tenth largest public healthcare system in the United States and the largest employer in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    David Sapp - Chief of Staff (Md)

    David Sapp, the Chief of Staff (Md) at Erlanger Health System, provides critical medical leadership and strategic direction for clinical operations. Overseeing physician engagement and medical staff affairs, Sapp ensures alignment between clinical practice and the health system's mission. This role involves guiding the medical teams across seven hospitals and seven emergency departments, fostering an environment of high-quality patient care. The Chief of Staff (Md) plays a pivotal part in maintaining Erlanger's status as a Level-One Trauma Center for adults and the region's only pediatric hospital offering the highest level of trauma and critical care. David Sapp's medical expertise is essential for the operational success of specialized centers, including bariatrics, cancer, heart and lung, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, surgery, trauma, urology, and women's services. By championing clinical excellence, Sapp directly contributes to the system's ability to treat approximately 800,000 people annually across its extensive service area.

    Wendy Fournet - Chief Administrative Officer

    Wendy Fournet, the Chief Administrative Officer at Erlanger Health System, manages the broad spectrum of administrative functions essential for the health system's operational efficiency. Overseeing key support services and departmental coordination, Fournet ensures seamless integration across Erlanger's seven hospitals and emergency departments. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the high standards of care provided throughout a 50,000 square-mile region, supporting tertiary services that span southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama, and western North Carolina. Wendy Fournet's administrative oversight extends to the logistical support for the fleet of six medical helicopters and the operational framework for centers of excellence in bariatrics, cancer, heart and lung, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, surgery, trauma, urology, and women's services. By streamlining administrative processes, Fournet directly enhances the patient experience and supports the system's role as a major employer and healthcare provider in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
    Wendy Fournet
    Jeffrey Woodard, the Chief Legal Officer at Erlanger Health System, directs all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance for the extensive healthcare network. Overseeing legal strategy, risk management, and corporate governance, Woodard safeguards the organization's interests across its seven hospitals and specialized service lines. This critical role involves navigating the complex legal landscape associated with providing advanced medical services, including Level-One Trauma care and the region's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Jeffrey Woodard's legal guidance is fundamental to Erlanger's operations, supporting its mission to deliver comprehensive tertiary care across southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama, and western North Carolina. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities encompass advising on matters related to the medical transport fleet, centers of excellence, and contractual agreements, ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and standards. Woodard's legal acumen is vital for maintaining Erlanger's standing as a leading public healthcare system and a significant employer.
    Jeffrey Woodard
    Stephen Lasky, the Chief Legal Officer, Acting at Erlanger Health System, provides interim leadership and strategic direction for the organization's legal department. Overseeing immediate legal matters and ensuring continuity of services, Lasky supports the health system's mission during this transition. This role involves managing the legal aspects of Erlanger's operations, including its seven hospitals, emergency departments, and specialized centers of excellence. Stephen Lasky's legal oversight is crucial for maintaining compliance and mitigating risk across the vast service area, which includes southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia, north Alabama, and western North Carolina. The Acting Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities extend to advising on matters concerning the medical transport fleet and ensuring the integrity of legal frameworks supporting patient care. Lasky's focus is on upholding the legal standards and operational integrity of Erlanger Health System, a major healthcare provider and employer in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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

    Who leads Erlanger Health System?
    Erlanger Health System is led by J. Britton Tabor (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as David Sapp (Chief of Staff (Md)) and Wendy Fournet (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of Erlanger Health System’s executive team?
    The executive team of Erlanger Health System includes leaders such as J. Britton Tabor (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), David Sapp (Chief of Staff (Md)), Wendy Fournet (Chief Administrative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Erlanger Health System have?
    Erlanger Health System has 5 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 Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff (Md), Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Acting.