Northwestern Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to advancing patient care through academic collaboration, Northwestern Medicine integrates research and clinical practice to improve health outcomes across the region while maintaining a standard of excellence in medical innovation.

Leadership Roles at Northwestern Medicine

  • Chief Financial Officer - John Urbelis
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) - Dan Bunnell
  • Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control - Amanda Madick
  • President - Michael Vivoda
  • Chief of Staff - Amanda Clarke
  • Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine - Susan Feeley
  • Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer - Douglas King
  • Medical Director & Chief of Staff - Robert Rivers
  • Chief Medical Officer, Population Health - Amish Desai
  • Director, Office of the Chief Medical Officer - Sarah Oster
  • John Urbelis - Chief Financial Officer

    John Urbelis, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Medicine, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the entire health system. Urbelis oversees financial planning, budgeting, and revenue cycle management to ensure the long-term viability of clinical operations. By analyzing market trends and healthcare costs, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for investment in medical technology and facility expansion. John Urbelis collaborates with the board to maintain financial health while supporting the research initiatives of the Feinberg School of Medicine. This role involves managing complex financial risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across all entities. Through disciplined fiscal management, Urbelis secures the resources required for patient care excellence. The Chief Financial Officer monitors liquidity and operational expenses, providing the necessary data to guide executive decisions. Ultimately, Urbelis ensures that financial stability remains a cornerstone of the organization, allowing for continuous improvement in medical service delivery.

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

    Dan Bunnell, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) at Northwestern Medicine, manages financial operations specifically for the western regional market. Bunnell oversees regional budgeting, cost control, and revenue optimization to ensure local facilities meet performance targets. By analyzing regional market dynamics, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) identifies growth opportunities and operational efficiencies. Dan Bunnell collaborates with regional leadership to align financial goals with the broader mission of the health system. This role involves managing capital investments for regional infrastructure and ensuring that financial reporting remains accurate and transparent. Through strategic oversight of regional assets, Bunnell supports the delivery of high-quality care in western markets. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) monitors regional financial health, providing insights that inform system-wide planning. Ultimately, Bunnell secures the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand medical services within the designated region.
    Dan Bunnell

    Amanda Madick - Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control

    Amanda Madick, the Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control at Northwestern Medicine, manages the supply chain and inventory logistics for pharmaceutical services. Madick oversees the procurement, storage, and distribution of medications across the health system to ensure availability for patient treatment. By optimizing inventory management systems, the Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control reduces waste and improves cost efficiency. Amanda Madick collaborates with clinical departments to forecast medication needs and maintain adequate stock levels. This role involves managing relationships with pharmaceutical suppliers and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Through the implementation of advanced tracking technologies, Madick enhances the accuracy of pharmacy operations. The Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control monitors supply chain performance to prevent shortages and ensure timely delivery of essential drugs. Ultimately, Madick drives the operational excellence required to support the pharmacy needs of the entire medical network.

    Michael Vivoda - President

    Michael Vivoda, the President at Northwestern Medicine, directs the overall strategic vision and operational performance of the health system. Vivoda oversees the integration of clinical services, research initiatives, and administrative functions to ensure a cohesive patient experience. By leading the executive team, the President aligns organizational goals with the mission of providing world-class medical care. Michael Vivoda collaborates with the board and academic partners to drive growth and innovation across all entities. This role involves managing high-level stakeholder relationships and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization. Through strategic planning and execution, Vivoda fosters an environment of excellence in both patient care and medical education. The President monitors system-wide performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and expansion. Ultimately, Vivoda drives the leadership strategy that positions the health system as a premier destination for medical treatment and research in the region.
    Michael Vivoda

    Amanda Clarke - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Clarke, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, coordinates executive initiatives to ensure alignment between clinical goals and administrative execution. Clarke manages complex workflows across the health system, facilitating communication between leadership teams to streamline decision-making processes. By optimizing internal operations, the Chief of Staff supports the broader mission of integrating Northwestern Memorial HealthCare with academic research. Clarke monitors organizational performance metrics, ensuring that strategic objectives remain on track. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with department heads to address operational challenges and improve efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of administrative projects, Amanda Clarke drives the system toward higher standards of care. The Chief of Staff maintains focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that resources align with the evolving needs of the patient population. Ultimately, Clarke strengthens the operational foundation necessary for delivering high-quality medical services across the entire network.

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

    Susan Feeley, the Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine at Northwestern Medicine, manages the intersection of digital infrastructure and administrative strategy. Feeley oversees the implementation of health information systems that support clinical workflows and data security. By coordinating IT initiatives, the Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine ensures that technological resources align with the needs of medical staff and researchers. Susan Feeley facilitates communication between technical teams and executive leadership to prioritize digital transformation projects. This role involves managing the operational budget for IT departments and ensuring that systems remain scalable for future growth. Through the integration of advanced software solutions, Feeley improves the efficiency of patient data management. The Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff - Northwestern Medicine monitors system performance to prevent disruptions in care delivery. Ultimately, Feeley drives the digital strategy that enables the organization to maintain its competitive edge in medical technology.

    Douglas King - Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer

    Douglas King, the Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer at Northwestern Medicine, architects the enterprise-wide technology strategy to support clinical and research excellence. King oversees the development of secure, scalable digital platforms that facilitate patient care and data analytics. By leading the IT department, the Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer ensures that the health system utilizes cutting-edge tools for electronic health records and diagnostic imaging. Douglas King collaborates with the board and other executives to align technology investments with the long-term goals of the organization. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient information across all entities. Through the implementation of robust IT infrastructure, King improves operational efficiency and clinical outcomes. The Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer monitors emerging technological trends to keep the system at the forefront of medical innovation. Ultimately, King drives the digital transformation that empowers medical professionals to deliver superior care.

    Robert Rivers - Medical Director & Chief of Staff

    Robert Rivers, the Medical Director & Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, oversees clinical standards and medical staff governance. Rivers manages the professional conduct and performance of physicians to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By coordinating between clinical departments and administrative leadership, the Medical Director & Chief of Staff facilitates the implementation of evidence-based medical practices. Robert Rivers monitors clinical quality metrics and addresses issues related to medical staff credentialing and development. This role involves fostering a culture of safety and excellence within the hospital environment. Through the oversight of clinical protocols, Rivers ensures that patient care remains consistent with the standards of the Feinberg School of Medicine. The Medical Director & Chief of Staff collaborates with other leaders to integrate research findings into daily practice. Ultimately, Rivers drives the clinical strategy that maintains the reputation of the health system as a leader in medical care.

    Amish Desai - Chief Medical Officer, Population Health

    Amish Desai, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health at Northwestern Medicine, designs and implements strategies to improve health outcomes for large patient groups. Desai oversees the development of preventative care programs and chronic disease management initiatives. By analyzing population health data, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health identifies trends and implements interventions to reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall wellness. Amish Desai collaborates with clinical teams to ensure that care delivery models are effective and patient-centered. This role involves managing partnerships with community organizations and insurance providers to enhance access to care. Through the application of data-driven insights, Desai optimizes the health of the communities served by the system. The Chief Medical Officer, Population Health monitors the success of population health programs and adjusts strategies to meet evolving needs. Ultimately, Desai drives the clinical initiatives that promote long-term health and reduce the burden of disease.

    Sarah Oster - Director, Office of the Chief Medical Officer

    Sarah Oster, the Director, Office of the Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Medicine, manages the administrative functions and strategic projects for the medical leadership team. Oster oversees the coordination of clinical initiatives and ensures that the office of the Chief Medical Officer operates efficiently. By facilitating communication between medical leadership and other departments, the Director, Office of the Chief Medical Officer supports the execution of system-wide clinical goals. Sarah Oster manages the workflow of the office, ensuring that priorities are addressed and deadlines are met. This role involves preparing reports and presentations that inform executive decision-making regarding medical policy and practice. Through the organization of key projects, Oster enhances the effectiveness of the medical leadership team. The Director, Office of the Chief Medical Officer monitors the progress of clinical initiatives to ensure alignment with the mission of the health system. Ultimately, Oster drives the administrative support necessary for successful medical leadership.

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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 Dan Bunnell (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West)) and Amanda Madick (Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control).
    Who is part of Northwestern Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwestern Medicine includes leaders such as John Urbelis (Chief Financial Officer), Dan Bunnell (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West)), Amanda Madick (Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control) 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), Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control, President, Chief of Staff.