Northside Hospital Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northside Hospital has 6 executives leading key functions including administration, operations, marketing, finance, and clinical strategy.

Committed to excellence in patient care, Northside Hospital delivers comprehensive medical services across Georgia while maintaining a leadership position in newborn deliveries, oncology, and surgical innovation.

Leadership Roles at Northside Hospital

  • Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta) - Deidre Dixon
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Shannon Banna
  • Chief Operating Officer - Katherine Pearson
  • Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta) - Emily Mills
  • Chief of Staff - Willis Lanier
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Billing & Collection - Rochelle Phelps
  • Deidre Dixon - Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta)

    Deidre Dixon, the Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta) at Northside Hospital, leads the strategic direction and operational success of the flagship facility. Dixon oversees the delivery of specialized medical services, including the high-volume newborn and surgical departments that anchor the Atlanta market. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, the Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta) ensures that the hospital remains a top provider of cancer care and sports medicine. Deidre Dixon coordinates with regional leadership to maintain consistent standards across the broader health care system. This role involves engaging with community stakeholders and medical staff to drive innovation in patient treatment protocols. Through the management of complex clinical operations, the Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta) supports the system's mission of providing comprehensive health care. Dixon directs the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and solidify the hospital's reputation as a leader in the Georgia health care landscape.
    Deidre Dixon

    Shannon Banna - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Shannon Banna, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Northside Hospital, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term economic health of the organization. Banna manages capital investments, budgeting, and financial reporting across all five acute-care hospitals and the vast outpatient network. By analyzing market trends in the Georgia health care sector, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for sustainable growth in oncology and cardiovascular services. Shannon Banna oversees the allocation of funds to support the latest medical technologies and facility upgrades. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the board to ensure financial compliance and risk management. Through rigorous oversight of the revenue cycle and cost-containment strategies, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial strength required to support the system's mission. Banna ensures that fiscal resources align with the strategic goal of providing accessible, high-quality care to the entire state.

    Katherine Pearson - Chief Operating Officer

    Katherine Pearson, the Chief Operating Officer at Northside Hospital, directs the daily functions of the five acute-care facilities and the extensive network of outpatient centers. Pearson oversees the integration of medical services, ensuring that sports medicine and surgical departments operate at peak capacity. By managing resource allocation across the state, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high volume of newborn deliveries that defines the system. Katherine Pearson implements standardized protocols to enhance patient safety and operational throughput. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of facility performance metrics to ensure alignment with the overarching mission of providing top-tier health care. Pearson optimizes supply chain logistics and staffing models to support the diverse needs of the Georgia patient base. Through strategic management of physical assets and clinical workflows, the Chief Operating Officer secures the operational stability necessary for continued growth in the competitive health care market.

    Emily Mills - Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta)

    Emily Mills, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta) at Northside Hospital, manages the intricate clinical workflows and operational logistics within the Atlanta facility. Mills oversees the daily performance of medical departments, ensuring that clinical teams have the necessary resources to provide exceptional patient care. By focusing on the optimization of surgical and cardiovascular services, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta) enhances the efficiency of the hospital's clinical operations. Emily Mills coordinates with nursing leadership and medical staff to implement evidence-based practices that improve patient recovery times. This role requires constant attention to operational metrics and quality assurance standards. Through the strategic management of clinical resources, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta) supports the system's mission of delivering high-quality health care. Mills drives operational excellence, ensuring that the Atlanta facility remains a cornerstone of the state's medical infrastructure.
    Emily Mills

    Willis Lanier - Chief of Staff

    Willis Lanier, the Chief of Staff at Northside Hospital, coordinates executive communications and aligns administrative priorities with the broader health care mission. Lanier manages the flow of information between the executive suite and the board, ensuring that strategic initiatives receive proper oversight. By facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal workflows across the five acute-care hospitals. Willis Lanier monitors the execution of long-term goals, particularly regarding the expansion of outpatient locations throughout Georgia. This role requires constant engagement with clinical leadership to maintain high standards of patient care. Through rigorous oversight of organizational processes, the Chief of Staff supports the system's reputation as a premier provider of cardiovascular and surgical services. Lanier drives operational efficiency, ensuring that every administrative decision directly contributes to the overall health outcomes of the patient population served by the system.

    Rochelle Phelps - Chief Marketing Officer, Billing & Collection

    Rochelle Phelps, the Chief Marketing Officer, Billing & Collection at Northside Hospital, manages the intersection of patient engagement and financial revenue cycles. Phelps architects communication strategies that highlight the system's expertise in cancer care and surgical services to the broader Georgia community. Simultaneously, the Chief Marketing Officer, Billing & Collection streamlines the billing process to ensure transparency and efficiency for patients. Rochelle Phelps oversees the digital presence and public relations efforts, reinforcing the brand identity of the health care system. By aligning marketing outreach with financial operations, the Chief Marketing Officer, Billing & Collection improves the overall patient experience from initial contact to final settlement. Phelps drives initiatives that simplify complex billing procedures, thereby increasing patient satisfaction and organizational revenue. This dual-focus role ensures that the public perception of the system remains strong while the financial infrastructure supports ongoing investment in medical technology and facility expansion.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northside Hospital Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northside Hospital?
    Northside Hospital is led by Deidre Dixon (Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta)), along with executives such as Shannon Banna (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Katherine Pearson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Northside Hospital’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northside Hospital includes leaders such as Deidre Dixon (Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta)), Shannon Banna (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Katherine Pearson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northside Hospital have?
    Northside Hospital has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northside Hospital’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northside Hospital includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer (Atlanta), Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Northside & of Clinical Operations (Atlanta), Chief of Staff.