Northwestern Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to patient care, Northwestern Medicine focuses on advancing medical excellence through collaboration between healthcare providers and academic research, impacting patient outcomes across the region.

Leadership Roles at Northwestern Medicine

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Howard Chrisman
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Urbelis
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions - Adam Sloane
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West) - Daniel Bunnell
  • Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control - Amanda Madick
  • President - Catie Schmit
  • 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
  • Howard Chrisman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Howard Chrisman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Northwestern Medicine, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the integrated academic health system. This leadership role involves guiding the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, ensuring alignment of clinical services with research and education initiatives. Chrisman oversees all major strategic decisions, resource allocation, and performance metrics across the enterprise, driving the organization's mission to provide exceptional patient care and advance medical discovery. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the financial health and long-term sustainability of Northwestern Medicine, fostering an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. By setting the vision and leading the executive team, Howard Chrisman champions the organization's commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery and medical advancement.
    Howard Chrisman

    John Urbelis - Chief Financial Officer

    John Urbelis, the Chief Financial Officer at Northwestern Medicine, directs all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the health system. This critical role involves managing budgets, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the organization. Urbelis develops financial strategies to support growth, optimize resource allocation, and maintain strong financial performance across all entities. The Chief Financial Officer leads the finance department, guiding investment decisions, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By providing expert financial oversight, John Urbelis enables Northwestern Medicine to invest in cutting-edge medical technology and expand its patient care services. This leadership ensures the organization's financial stability, supporting its mission of advancing medical excellence.

    Adam Sloane - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions

    Adam Sloane, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions at Northwestern Medicine, oversees the financial health and strategic planning for the medical groups and clinical divisions. This role involves managing the financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation for these specific operational units. Sloane develops financial models and analyses to support decision-making, ensuring profitability and operational efficiency within the clinical settings. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer works closely with division leaders to optimize financial outcomes and drive growth. By providing dedicated financial leadership to these critical areas, Adam Sloane ensures that the medical groups and clinical divisions operate effectively and contribute to the overall financial strength of Northwestern Medicine. This focus supports the delivery of high-quality patient care.
    Adam Sloane

    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 of the health system. This leadership position involves managing the financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation specifically for the facilities and services within this geographic area. Bunnell develops financial plans and analyses to support regional growth objectives and ensure operational efficiency. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with regional leadership to optimize financial outcomes and enhance patient care delivery across the western territories. By providing specialized financial oversight for the western region, Daniel Bunnell ensures its financial viability and supports its contribution to Northwestern Medicine's overall mission. This role is key to managing regional financial health.
    Daniel Bunnell

    Amanda Madick - Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control

    Amanda Madick, the Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control at Northwestern Medicine, directs the operational strategies and management of pharmacy inventory across the health system. This role focuses on optimizing the supply chain, ensuring efficient procurement, storage, and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Madick implements systems and processes to minimize waste, control costs, and maintain adequate stock levels to meet patient needs. The Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control collaborates with pharmacy departments and supply chain partners to enhance operational workflows and regulatory compliance. By leading the pharmacy inventory control operations, Amanda Madick ensures the availability of essential medications, supporting patient safety and the efficient delivery of pharmaceutical services throughout Northwestern Medicine. This operational leadership is critical for healthcare delivery.

    Catie Schmit - President

    Catie Schmit, the President at Northwestern Medicine, holds a significant leadership position responsible for overseeing key operational areas and driving strategic initiatives within the health system. This role involves managing specific business units or regions, ensuring alignment with the overall mission and objectives of Northwestern Medicine. Schmit focuses on enhancing patient care delivery, optimizing operational performance, and fostering a culture of excellence among staff. The President works closely with other executive leaders to implement strategic plans, manage resources effectively, and achieve organizational goals. By leading critical operational functions, Catie Schmit contributes to the sustained growth and success of Northwestern Medicine, ensuring high-quality healthcare services are provided to the community. This leadership drives operational excellence.
    Catie Schmit

    Amanda Clarke - Chief of Staff

    Amanda Clarke, the Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, provides direct strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. This role involves managing key initiatives, facilitating communication across departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of strategic priorities. Clarke coordinates critical projects, analyzes operational data, and develops recommendations to enhance organizational effectiveness and patient care delivery. The Chief of Staff acts as a liaison between various leadership levels, streamlining workflows and optimizing resource utilization. By managing complex projects and driving cross-functional collaboration, Amanda Clarke supports the President & Chief Executive Officer in achieving the organization's mission. This leadership position is vital for maintaining operational momentum and ensuring strategic objectives are met across Northwestern Medicine.

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

    Susan Feeley, the Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, provides strategic leadership and operational support within the Information Technology department. This role involves managing IT initiatives, facilitating communication between IT leadership and other departments, and ensuring the alignment of technology strategies with organizational goals. Feeley oversees key projects, analyzes IT performance metrics, and develops recommendations to enhance technological capabilities and support patient care. The Director - Information Technology Chief of Staff acts as a critical liaison, streamlining IT operations and optimizing resource utilization. By managing complex IT projects and driving cross-functional collaboration, Susan Feeley supports the Chief Information Officer in advancing the technological infrastructure of Northwestern Medicine. This leadership ensures efficient and effective IT services.

    Douglas King - Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer

    Douglas King, the Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer at Northwestern Medicine, directs the overall information technology strategy and operations for the health system. This leadership role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of all IT infrastructure, systems, and digital services. King ensures that technology solutions support patient care, clinical operations, research, and administrative functions effectively and securely. The Senior Vice President - Chief Information Officer leads the IT department, driving innovation, managing cybersecurity, and optimizing data management to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes. By providing strategic technology leadership, Douglas King enables Northwestern Medicine to leverage digital advancements for improved healthcare delivery and medical research. This role is fundamental to the organization's technological advancement.

    Robert Rivers - Medical Director & Chief of Staff

    Robert Rivers, the Medical Director & Chief of Staff at Northwestern Medicine, provides clinical leadership and operational oversight within a specific medical division or hospital. This role involves ensuring the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and operational efficiency within the designated area. Rivers collaborates with administrative leaders to align clinical practices with the organization's strategic objectives and quality initiatives. The Medical Director & Chief of Staff champions physician engagement, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and addresses clinical challenges to enhance patient outcomes. By leading clinical teams and guiding medical operations, Robert Rivers ensures that patient care delivery meets the rigorous standards of Northwestern Medicine. This leadership is vital for maintaining clinical quality and operational effectiveness.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northwestern Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northwestern Medicine?
    Northwestern Medicine is led by Howard Chrisman (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Urbelis (Chief Financial Officer) and Adam Sloane (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions).
    Who is part of Northwestern Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northwestern Medicine includes leaders such as Howard Chrisman (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Urbelis (Chief Financial Officer), Adam Sloane (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions) 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 President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Medical Groups & Systems Clinical Divisions, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (West), Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Inventory Control.