SUNY Upstate Medical University Executive and Leadership Team

Niquell Walker, the Chief Executive Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic medical center. Walker manages the alignment of university research initiatives with hospital clinical services to ensure high-quality patient care. By overseeing the integration of residency programs within the broader healthcare framework, the Chief Executive Officer maintains institutional excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure funding and expand medical facilities. Niquell Walker drives organizational growth by fostering partnerships with regional health networks. Through rigorous oversight of administrative protocols, the Chief Executive Officer guarantees compliance with state regulations. Ultimately, Walker secures the long-term sustainability of the university mission by prioritizing innovation in medical training and patient service delivery across the Syracuse region.

Ben Moore, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President at SUNY Upstate Medical University, governs the daily administrative functions and executive operations. Moore coordinates the complex interplay between academic departments and hospital units to optimize resource allocation. Overseeing the institutional budget, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting faculty research and student learning. This leadership role requires constant engagement with department heads to streamline operational workflows. Ben Moore drives the implementation of new administrative policies that enhance the efficiency of residency clinics. By managing the internal governance structure, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President maintains organizational stability. Ultimately, Moore fosters a collaborative environment that supports the core mission of providing superior medical education and patient care throughout the state.

Marylin Galimi, the Chief Operating Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs the daily logistical functions and facility management for the hospital and university divisions. Galimi oversees the maintenance of clinical spaces and the operational readiness of residency clinics. By streamlining supply chain processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that medical staff possess the necessary tools for patient care. This leadership role involves constant coordination with department heads to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. Marylin Galimi drives initiatives that optimize the use of physical assets across the Syracuse campus. Through rigorous monitoring of facility performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of safety and functionality. Ultimately, Galimi supports the broader institutional goals by ensuring that all operational systems function in perfect harmony with the academic and clinical mission.

Kathleen Yeldon, the CSEA Local 615 President at SUNY Upstate Medical University, represents the interests of the workforce and manages labor relations. Yeldon coordinates with university administration to negotiate contracts and address employee concerns regarding workplace conditions. Overseeing the representation of union members, the CSEA Local 615 President ensures that staff needs remain a priority in institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves mediating disputes and fostering a collaborative relationship between labor and management. Kathleen Yeldon drives initiatives that improve workplace safety and professional development for union members. By advocating for fair labor practices, the CSEA Local 615 President contributes to the overall stability of the university workforce. Ultimately, Yeldon supports the institutional mission by ensuring that the staff remains engaged and supported in the delivery of medical education and patient care.

Teresa Wagner, the Chief Information Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting both clinical and academic environments. Wagner manages the security and integrity of electronic health records while ensuring seamless data access for medical staff and students. Overseeing the implementation of advanced diagnostic software, the Chief Information Officer drives technological modernization across the campus. This leadership role involves coordinating with clinical directors to integrate new health information systems into existing workflows. Teresa Wagner ensures that all data management practices adhere to strict privacy standards. By optimizing the network architecture, the Chief Information Officer supports the rapid exchange of research findings and patient data. Ultimately, Wagner secures the technological foundation necessary for the university to maintain its status as a leader in medical education and clinical excellence.

Grace Vannortwick, the Chief of Staff at SUNY Upstate Medical University, manages the executive office and facilitates communication between leadership tiers. Vannortwick coordinates the scheduling and agenda setting for high-level meetings to ensure strategic alignment across the university. Overseeing the flow of information to the executive team, the Chief of Staff ensures that critical decisions receive timely attention. This leadership role involves acting as a liaison between the administration and various academic departments to resolve operational bottlenecks. Grace Vannortwick drives the execution of special projects that advance the university mission. By maintaining clear channels of communication, the Chief of Staff fosters a cohesive working environment among senior leaders. Ultimately, Vannortwick supports the executive team by managing the complexities of institutional governance and ensuring that all strategic objectives remain on track.

Lisa Gooley, the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs talent acquisition and workforce development strategies. Gooley manages the recruitment of medical faculty and administrative staff to support the university mission. Overseeing employee relations and benefits administration, the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a productive and inclusive work environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to identify staffing needs and implement training programs. Lisa Gooley drives initiatives that promote professional growth and retention across the organization. By managing complex human resource policies, the Asstistant To Vice President and Amp. Chief Human Resources Officer maintains compliance with labor regulations. Ultimately, Gooley supports the institutional goals by cultivating a highly skilled workforce dedicated to excellence in medical education and patient care.

Matthew Chadderdon, the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff at SUNY Upstate Medical University, manages internal communications and strategic planning initiatives. Chadderdon coordinates the efforts of various administrative teams to ensure that university goals align with hospital operations. Overseeing the development of institutional policy, the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between the executive office and academic leadership. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects that impact the university reputation and operational success. Matthew Chadderdon drives the implementation of communication strategies that keep stakeholders informed of institutional progress. By providing analytical support to the executive team, the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff enables data-driven decision-making. Ultimately, Chadderdon ensures that the university maintains its commitment to high-quality medical training and patient service through effective organizational management.

Zachary Shepherd, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs clinical quality improvement and patient safety protocols. Shepherd oversees the implementation of evidence-based medical practices within the residency clinics to ensure superior patient outcomes. By monitoring clinical performance metrics, the Associate Chief Medical Officer identifies areas for process enhancement and staff training. This leadership role involves collaborating with medical directors to standardize care delivery across different specialties. Zachary Shepherd drives initiatives that reduce medical errors and improve the overall patient experience. Through constant engagement with clinical teams, the Associate Chief Medical Officer maintains high standards of care. Ultimately, Shepherd supports the university mission by ensuring that all clinical operations adhere to the highest medical standards while providing a robust learning environment for residents.

Christopher Tanski, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at SUNY Upstate Medical University, directs emergency medicine protocols and clinical resource management. Tanski oversees the integration of trauma care services with the broader university hospital system to ensure rapid response capabilities. By managing the deployment of medical staff in critical care units, the Associate Chief Medical Officer optimizes patient throughput and resource utilization. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to provide residents with hands-on experience in high-acuity settings. Christopher Tanski drives the adoption of new clinical technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy in emergency situations. Through rigorous oversight of clinical workflows, the Associate Chief Medical Officer maintains operational readiness. Ultimately, Tanski supports the university mission by ensuring that the hospital provides life-saving care while maintaining a premier environment for medical training.