Penn Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

James Brexler, the Chief Executive Officer at Penn Medicine, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire health system. Overseeing the integration of the Perelman School of Medicine with clinical operations, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between academic research and patient care delivery. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term financial sustainability across the organization. By fostering innovation in medical practice, James Brexler directly impacts the quality of care provided to patients throughout the region. Brexler maintains a focus on expanding the reach of the health system while upholding the rigorous standards of the University of Pennsylvania. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary for maintaining a competitive edge in the healthcare market. Ultimately, Brexler drives the mission of excellence in medicine and science.

Meredith Brady, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Ophthalmology at Penn Medicine, manages the daily clinical and administrative functions within the eye care division. Overseeing patient throughput and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Ophthalmology ensures that clinical teams maintain high standards of care. This role involves optimizing surgical scheduling and coordinating with medical staff to improve operational efficiency. By streamlining workflows, Meredith Brady directly supports the delivery of specialized vision services across the health system. Brady monitors performance metrics to identify opportunities for process improvement within the department. Through collaboration with clinical leadership, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Ophthalmology aligns departmental goals with the broader objectives of the health system. Ultimately, Brady ensures that the department remains a leader in ophthalmic research and patient outcomes.

Volpe Michele, the Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Penn Medicine, manages the large-scale operational infrastructure of the health system. Overseeing hospital facilities and supply chain logistics, the Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical environments remain safe and efficient. This role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize resource utilization and improve patient access to care. By implementing operational improvements, Volpe Michele directly impacts the financial and clinical performance of the health system. Michele monitors regional market trends to adjust operational strategies as needed. Through the oversight of daily hospital functions, the Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer supports the delivery of high-quality medical services. Ultimately, Michele drives the operational excellence required to maintain the reputation of the health system as a premier provider of medical care.

Meredith Fox, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Surgery at Penn Medicine, directs the administrative and clinical operations for the surgical division. Overseeing operating room utilization and surgical staff coordination, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Surgery ensures that surgical procedures proceed with precision and efficiency. This role involves managing the budget for surgical equipment and coordinating with surgeons to improve patient outcomes. By optimizing the surgical pipeline, Meredith Fox directly impacts the volume and quality of surgical care provided. Fox collaborates with nursing and administrative teams to maintain high standards of safety and compliance. Through the management of surgical resources, the Chief Operating Officer, Department of Surgery supports the growth of the department. Ultimately, Fox ensures that the surgical division remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care.

Kenya Pitt, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Penn Medicine, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies for the health system. Overseeing employee relations and organizational culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of clinical excellence. This role involves designing compensation structures and professional development programs that attract top-tier medical and administrative talent. By fostering an inclusive environment, Kenya Pitt directly impacts staff retention and engagement across the organization. Pitt collaborates with executive leadership to implement policies that support the well-being of the entire workforce. Through the management of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the operational success of the health system. Ultimately, Pitt secures the human resources necessary to maintain the high standards of care expected at the institution.

Harlan Rosen, the Chief of Staff To Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD at Penn Medicine, coordinates the administrative and strategic priorities for the office of the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives. Overseeing complex projects and communication flows, the Chief of Staff To Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD ensures that the office functions with maximum efficiency. This role involves managing high-level partnerships and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration on global health policy. By organizing the agenda for the office, Harlan Rosen directly supports the advancement of international medical research and policy development. Rosen monitors the progress of key initiatives to ensure alignment with the broader goals of the University of Pennsylvania. Through strategic planning, the Chief of Staff To Ezekiel Emanuel, MD, PhD enables the leadership to focus on critical academic and clinical objectives. Ultimately, Rosen facilitates the success of global health programs.

Theresa Howard, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Penn Medicine, manages the labor relations and benefits administration for the health system. Overseeing compliance with employment laws and internal policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a fair and productive work environment. This role involves developing training programs and performance management systems that support the professional growth of the staff. By optimizing human resource processes, Theresa Howard directly impacts the operational stability of the health system. Howard works with department leaders to address staffing needs and improve workplace culture. Through the management of employee benefits and compensation, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the recruitment of top medical professionals. Ultimately, Howard ensures that the workforce remains committed to the mission of providing exceptional patient care.

Deborah Casarella, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Entity Services at Penn Medicine, directs the implementation and maintenance of information technology systems across the health system. Overseeing the integration of digital services, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Entity Services ensures that clinical and administrative teams have access to reliable data. This role involves managing the infrastructure for electronic health records and supporting the digital transformation of patient care. By optimizing IT services, Deborah Casarella directly impacts the efficiency of clinical workflows. Casarella collaborates with other IT leaders to ensure the security and scalability of the network. Through the management of entity-wide technology services, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Entity Services supports the overall mission of the health system. Ultimately, Casarella ensures that the digital infrastructure remains robust and capable of supporting advanced medical research.

Glenn Fala, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Software Development at Penn Medicine, architects the custom software solutions required for clinical and research applications. Overseeing the development lifecycle of proprietary applications, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Software Development ensures that software tools meet the specific needs of medical staff. This role involves managing software engineering teams and coordinating with researchers to build innovative digital platforms. By driving software innovation, Glenn Fala directly impacts the ability of the health system to conduct cutting-edge research. Fala monitors emerging technologies to integrate new capabilities into the existing software ecosystem. Through the management of development projects, the Associate Chief Information Officer, Software Development supports the technological advancement of the institution. Ultimately, Fala ensures that the software infrastructure remains a key driver of medical discovery and clinical efficiency.

Thomas Hecker, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff at Penn Medicine, manages the administrative operations and executive communications for the health system. Overseeing the daily activities of the executive office, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff ensures that leadership priorities are executed effectively. This role involves coordinating high-level meetings and facilitating communication between the executive team and the Board. By streamlining administrative processes, Thomas Hecker directly impacts the efficiency of the leadership team. Hecker monitors the progress of strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with the mission of the health system. Through the management of executive operations, the Vice President, Administration & Chief of Staff supports the overall governance of the organization. Ultimately, Hecker ensures that the executive office remains focused on the long-term goals of the institution.