Northwestern Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northwestern Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, information technology, and medical operations.

Driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare, Northwestern Medicine focuses on integrating clinical care, research, and education to deliver exceptional patient outcomes and foster medical innovation.

Leadership Roles at Northwestern Medicine

  • Chief Financial Officer - John Urbelis
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) - Daniel Bunnell
  • President - Michael Vivoda
  • President, Medical Staff - Bahram Ghaderi
  • Chief of Staff - Amanda Clarke
  • Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine - Susan Feeley
  • Medical Director & Chief of Staff - Robert Rivers
  • Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer - Douglas King
  • Chief Medical Officer, Northwest Region Northwestern Medicine - Irfan Hafiz
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Micah Eimer
  • John Urbelis - Chief Financial Officer

    John Urbelis, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Medicine, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Urbelis manages the organization's financial health, ensuring robust resource allocation and sustainable growth. This leadership position involves developing financial strategies that support Northwestern Medicine's commitment to research, education, and patient care. Urbelis directs budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, providing critical insights to the executive team. By maintaining strong financial discipline, John Urbelis enables the organization to invest in cutting-edge medical technologies and expand its service offerings. The Chief Financial Officer's role is pivotal in securing the financial stability required for Northwestern Medicine to achieve its long-term objectives and maintain its position as a leading healthcare provider.

    Daniel Bunnell - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West)

    Daniel Bunnell, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) at Northwestern Medicine, directs financial strategy and operations for the western region. Bunnell ensures fiscal integrity and optimizes financial performance across regional facilities, aligning with the broader organizational objectives. This executive role involves managing regional budgets, financial analysis, and resource allocation to support local healthcare delivery and growth initiatives. By providing strategic financial guidance, Daniel Bunnell supports the expansion and operational efficiency of Northwestern Medicine's western operations. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) plays a crucial part in driving financial success and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care throughout the designated geographic area. Bunnell's expertise strengthens the financial foundation of the region.
    Daniel Bunnell

    Michael Vivoda - President

    Michael Vivoda, the President at Northwestern Medicine, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Vivoda oversees all major operational functions, ensuring alignment with the mission of advancing healthcare through collaboration and innovation. This pivotal role involves guiding the executive team, fostering organizational growth, and maintaining the highest standards of patient care and medical research. By setting the strategic vision, Michael Vivoda drives the organization's commitment to excellence and its impact on the community. The President's leadership is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape and ensuring the sustained success of Northwestern Medicine. Vivoda's guidance shapes the future of the institution.
    Michael Vivoda

    Bahram Ghaderi - President, Medical Staff

    Bahram Ghaderi, the President, Medical Staff at Northwestern Medicine, represents the interests and clinical leadership of the medical staff. Ghaderi collaborates with hospital administration to ensure physician engagement in strategic decision-making and quality improvement efforts. This leadership position involves advocating for the needs of physicians and fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient well-being and medical advancement. By bridging communication between the medical staff and organizational leadership, Bahram Ghaderi enhances operational effectiveness and clinical excellence. The President, Medical Staff's role is vital in maintaining high standards of medical practice and promoting a culture of shared responsibility for patient outcomes. Ghaderi's influence strengthens the physician community's contribution to Northwestern Medicine's mission.
    Bahram Ghaderi

    Amanda Clarke - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Clarke, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key departments. Clarke ensures seamless execution of the organization's mission by facilitating communication between executive leadership and various functional teams. Overseeing critical projects, Clarke drives efficiency and supports the overall strategic direction of Northwestern Medicine. This role involves close collaboration with other senior leaders to implement organizational goals and enhance operational effectiveness. Clarke's focus remains on optimizing internal processes and supporting the executive team's vision for advancing healthcare services. Amanda Clarke's leadership ensures that strategic priorities translate into tangible operational improvements, contributing to the organization's sustained growth and commitment to patient care.

    Susan Feeley - Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine

    Susan Feeley, the Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine, orchestrates strategic IT initiatives and operational enhancements. Feeley ensures alignment between technology roadmaps and the organization's overarching mission, facilitating efficient information systems management. This critical role involves coordinating IT projects, managing resources, and supporting the Chief Information Officer in driving technological advancements. By streamlining IT operations, Susan Feeley enhances the organization's capacity to leverage technology for improved patient care and research. The Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine's focus is on optimizing IT infrastructure and supporting digital transformation efforts. Feeley's leadership contributes significantly to the technological backbone of Northwestern Medicine, ensuring robust and secure information systems.

    Robert Rivers - Medical Director & Chief of Staff

    Robert Rivers, the Medical Director & Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, leads clinical operations and strategic medical planning. Rivers ensures the highest standards of patient care are maintained and advanced across all medical services. This executive position involves overseeing physician engagement, clinical quality initiatives, and the integration of medical best practices. By guiding clinical teams, Robert Rivers drives improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The Medical Director & Chief of Staff's role is essential in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the medical community. Rivers's leadership directly impacts the quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, reinforcing Northwestern Medicine's commitment to exceptional patient well-being and medical advancement.

    Douglas King - Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer

    Douglas King, the Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer at Northwestern Medicine, directs the organization's comprehensive information technology strategy and infrastructure. King oversees the development and implementation of advanced technological solutions that support clinical care, research, and administrative functions. This leadership role involves managing IT operations, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and patient experience. By driving innovation in technology, Douglas King ensures Northwestern Medicine remains at the forefront of healthcare technology adoption. The Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is crucial for maintaining robust, secure, and scalable IT systems that underpin the organization's mission. King's expertise strengthens the technological capabilities essential for modern healthcare delivery.

    Irfan Hafiz - Chief Medical Officer, Northwest Region Northwestern Medicine

    Irfan Hafiz, the Chief Medical Officer, Northwest Region Northwestern Medicine, leads clinical strategy and quality improvement across the region. Hafiz ensures the delivery of exceptional patient care by overseeing medical staff, clinical protocols, and healthcare outcomes. This executive role involves driving medical excellence, fostering physician collaboration, and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and satisfaction. By championing clinical innovation, Irfan Hafiz supports the growth and advancement of medical services within the Northwest Region. The Chief Medical Officer, Northwest Region Northwestern Medicine's leadership is vital for maintaining high standards of medical practice and achieving strategic health objectives. Hafiz's dedication strengthens the region's healthcare capabilities and patient-centered approach.

    Micah Eimer - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Micah Eimer, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Medicine, supports the Chief Medical Officer in advancing clinical quality and patient care initiatives. Eimer collaborates on developing and implementing medical policies and procedures to ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory standards. This role focuses on enhancing the patient experience and optimizing clinical workflows across various departments. By contributing to strategic medical planning, Micah Eimer aids in the continuous improvement of healthcare services. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's efforts are crucial in supporting the overall medical leadership and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care throughout Northwestern Medicine. Eimer's work reinforces the organization's commitment to medical excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwestern Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northwestern Medicine?
    Northwestern Medicine is led by John Urbelis (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Daniel Bunnell (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West)) and Michael Vivoda (President).
    Who is part of Northwestern Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwestern Medicine includes leaders such as John Urbelis (Chief Financial Officer), Daniel Bunnell (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West)), Michael Vivoda (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northwestern Medicine have?
    Northwestern Medicine has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northwestern Medicine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northwestern Medicine includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West), President, President, Medical Staff, Chief of Staff.