Michigan Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Michigan Medicine has 6 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, clinical administration, digital infrastructure, and pediatric research.

Committed to advancing healthcare through academic excellence, Michigan Medicine integrates cutting-edge research with patient-centered care to improve health outcomes across the nation and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Michigan Medicine

  • Chief Operating Officer - Svetlana Dembitskaya
  • Associate Chief Operating Officer - Michelle Fernamberg
  • Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan - Constance O'Malley
  • Chief Technology Officer - Timothy Calahan
  • Chief Digital & Information Officer - Anika Gardenhire
  • Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School - Chris Dickinson
  • Svetlana Dembitskaya - Chief Operating Officer

    Svetlana Dembitskaya, the Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Medicine, manages the daily administrative functions and clinical workflows across the academic medical center. Dembitskaya optimizes resource allocation to improve patient throughput and operational efficiency in high-acuity care settings. By streamlining interdepartmental communication, the Chief Operating Officer ensures alignment between clinical staff and administrative goals. This leadership role involves overseeing large-scale facility management and supply chain logistics to support consistent service delivery. Svetlana Dembitskaya drives initiatives that enhance the quality of care while maintaining fiscal responsibility across the organization. Through strategic planning, the Chief Operating Officer addresses the complexities of managing a public research university hospital system. Ultimately, Dembitskaya maintains the operational excellence required to support the mission of providing advanced medical treatments to diverse patient populations throughout the region.

    Michelle Fernamberg - Associate Chief Operating Officer

    Michelle Fernamberg, the Associate Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Medicine, executes tactical improvements within the hospital system to bolster clinical productivity. Fernamberg manages specific outpatient service lines, ensuring that patient access remains a top priority for the academic medical center. By analyzing performance metrics, the Associate Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks in care delivery and implements corrective strategies to improve patient satisfaction. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to standardize clinical protocols and enhance staff engagement. Michelle Fernamberg drives operational consistency across various specialty clinics, supporting the broader mission of the institution. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Associate Chief Operating Officer facilitates the smooth transition of patients between primary and specialty care environments. Ultimately, Fernamberg strengthens the internal processes that allow the medical center to provide high-quality, research-backed healthcare services.

    Constance O'Malley - Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan

    Constance O'Malley, the Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan at Michigan Medicine, directs the specialized operations of the pediatric medical center. O'Malley architects clinical programs tailored to the unique needs of pediatric patients, ensuring that the facility maintains the highest standards of safety and care. By overseeing the integration of pediatric research into clinical practice, the Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan enhances the therapeutic outcomes for children. This leadership role involves managing complex multidisciplinary teams and ensuring that the hospital remains a leader in pediatric medicine. Constance O'Malley drives operational strategies that support family-centered care while optimizing the use of specialized medical equipment. Through effective resource management, the Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan ensures that the hospital provides comprehensive support to families across the state and beyond.

    Timothy Calahan - Chief Technology Officer

    Timothy Calahan, the Chief Technology Officer at Michigan Medicine, directs the digital architecture supporting complex academic medical center operations. Calahan architects scalable cloud infrastructure to ensure seamless data integration across research and clinical departments. By modernizing legacy systems, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of diagnostic tools and patient management platforms. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical teams to implement secure, high-performance computing environments that support large-scale medical research initiatives. Timothy Calahan drives the adoption of emerging technologies to maintain the competitive edge of the institution within the national healthcare landscape. Through rigorous oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer protects sensitive patient information while enabling rapid innovation. Ultimately, Calahan secures the technological foundation necessary for delivering world-class medical services and fostering groundbreaking scientific discoveries within the academic environment.

    Anika Gardenhire - Chief Digital & Information Officer

    Anika Gardenhire, the Chief Digital & Information Officer at Michigan Medicine, leads the digital transformation strategy for the academic medical center. Gardenhire oversees the implementation of advanced health information systems that facilitate data-driven decision-making for clinicians and researchers. By integrating digital health tools into the patient experience, the Chief Digital & Information Officer improves accessibility and engagement across the entire health system. This leadership role involves managing the intersection of information technology and clinical practice to ensure that data remains secure and actionable. Anika Gardenhire drives the adoption of innovative digital solutions that support the research mission of the university. Through strategic oversight of information governance, the Chief Digital & Information Officer ensures that the institution remains at the forefront of digital health innovation. Ultimately, Gardenhire enables the seamless flow of information necessary for delivering precise and effective medical care.

    Chris Dickinson - Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School

    Chris Dickinson, the Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School at Michigan Medicine, leads academic research and clinical education initiatives within the pediatric department. Dickinson architects curriculum frameworks that train the next generation of medical professionals while advancing pediatric science. By conducting rigorous clinical studies, the Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School contributes to the development of new treatment protocols for complex childhood diseases. This leadership role involves mentoring faculty and students to foster a culture of inquiry and excellence within the medical school. Chris Dickinson drives collaborative research projects that bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and bedside care. Through active participation in national medical boards, the Professor of Pediatrics, Medical School influences the broader direction of pediatric healthcare policy. Ultimately, Dickinson ensures that the institution remains a premier destination for medical education and innovative pediatric research.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Michigan Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Michigan Medicine?
    Michigan Medicine is led by Svetlana Dembitskaya (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Fernamberg (Associate Chief Operating Officer) and Constance O'Malley (Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan).
    Who is part of Michigan Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of Michigan Medicine includes leaders such as Svetlana Dembitskaya (Chief Operating Officer), Michelle Fernamberg (Associate Chief Operating Officer), Constance O'Malley (Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Michigan Medicine have?
    Michigan Medicine has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Michigan Medicine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Michigan Medicine includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Associate Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer C.S. Mott Children's Hospital University of Michigan, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Digital & Information Officer.