UAB Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to excellence, UAB Medicine is dedicated to advancing patient care, medical education, and clinical research, fostering a culture of innovation to improve patient outcomes across Alabama and beyond.

Leadership Roles at UAB Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dawn Bulgarella
  • Chief Financial Officer - Elizabeth Bailey
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dereck Morrison
  • Chief of Staff - Toni Leeth
  • Chief Information Officer - Joan Hicks
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - John Petrov
  • Senior Associate Chief of Staff - Martin Heslin
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Andrew Land
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine - Emily Boohaker
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Anand Iyer
  • Dawn Bulgarella - Chief Executive Officer

    Dawn Bulgarella, the Chief Executive Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for this leading academic medical center. Bulgarella guides the organization's mission to deliver advanced patient care, foster medical education, and drive clinical research across Alabama. Overseeing all major divisions, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core values of teamwork, collaboration, and continuous learning. This leadership position involves setting the strategic vision for growth and innovation, directly impacting patient outcomes and the organization's standing as a premier healthcare provider. By championing initiatives that enhance patient experience and operational efficiency, Dawn Bulgarella solidifies UAB Medicine's commitment to high-quality, compassionate care for all served.
    Dawn Bulgarella

    Elizabeth Bailey - Chief Financial Officer

    Elizabeth Bailey, the Chief Financial Officer at UAB Medicine, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the academic medical center. Bailey oversees budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies to ensure the organization's financial health and sustainability. This critical role supports UAB Medicine's mission by allocating resources effectively to advance patient care, medical education, and clinical research initiatives. By managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for fiscal growth, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of services and the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies. Elizabeth Bailey's leadership ensures that financial stewardship underpins the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care across the system.

    Dereck Morrison - Chief Operating Officer

    Dereck Morrison, the Chief Operating Officer at UAB Medicine, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of healthcare services across the system. Morrison directs operational strategies aimed at enhancing patient care quality, improving patient flow, and optimizing resource utilization throughout the medical center. This leadership position is crucial for implementing best practices in healthcare management and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By driving operational excellence, Dereck Morrison directly supports UAB Medicine's mission to provide advanced patient care and maintain high standards of service. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational efficiency enables the organization to effectively manage its extensive healthcare operations and meet the evolving needs of patients and staff.

    Toni Leeth - Chief of Staff

    Toni Leeth, the Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, facilitating the execution of organizational priorities. Leeth manages critical projects and initiatives that span multiple departments, ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across the leadership team. This role involves streamlining operations and enhancing the effectiveness of executive decision-making, directly supporting UAB Medicine's commitment to advanced patient care and research. By coordinating efforts and driving key strategic programs, Toni Leeth ensures that the organization's mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care is consistently met. The Chief of Staff's influence extends to optimizing internal processes and fostering a culture of innovation throughout the healthcare system.

    Joan Hicks - Chief Information Officer

    Joan Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at UAB Medicine, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology infrastructure and digital solutions. Hicks is responsible for enhancing the organization's technological capabilities to support advanced patient care, streamline administrative processes, and facilitate groundbreaking clinical research. This role is pivotal in driving innovation, ensuring data security, and optimizing the electronic health record system to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. By championing digital transformation, Joan Hicks ensures that UAB Medicine leverages technology to deliver high-quality, compassionate care and maintain its position as a leading academic medical center. The Chief Information Officer's vision guides the integration of cutting-edge IT solutions across all facets of the healthcare system.
    Joan Hicks

    John Petrov - Chief Human Resources Officer

    John Petrov, the Chief Human Resources Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the comprehensive human resources strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee engagement. Petrov is instrumental in cultivating a supportive and innovative work environment that aligns with UAB Medicine's mission of advanced patient care and research. This role involves overseeing policies and programs that attract, retain, and develop a skilled workforce, ensuring the organization has the talent necessary to achieve its strategic objectives. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, John Petrov fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration essential for delivering high-quality, compassionate care. The Chief Human Resources Officer's leadership ensures that UAB Medicine remains an employer of choice within the healthcare sector.
    John Petrov

    Martin Heslin - Senior Associate Chief of Staff

    Martin Heslin, the Senior Associate Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, provides critical leadership and strategic direction within the medical staff structure, supporting the Chief of Staff's initiatives. Heslin focuses on enhancing clinical operations and ensuring the highest standards of patient care delivery across various medical departments. This role involves collaborating with physicians and healthcare professionals to implement best practices and drive improvements in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. By contributing to the strategic management of medical affairs, Martin Heslin directly supports UAB Medicine's commitment to advanced patient care and medical education. The Senior Associate Chief of Staff plays a vital part in maintaining the organization's reputation for excellence and compassionate service.

    Andrew Land - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Andrew Land, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, contributes to the strategic medical leadership and operational oversight of clinical services. Land supports initiatives aimed at advancing patient care quality, safety, and efficiency throughout the healthcare system. This position involves working closely with medical staff and administrative leaders to implement evidence-based practices and enhance the patient experience. By focusing on clinical excellence, Andrew Land reinforces UAB Medicine's dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate care. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's efforts are crucial in aligning clinical operations with the organization's broader mission of medical education and research.

    Emily Boohaker - Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine

    Emily Boohaker, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine at UAB Medicine, spearheads efforts to elevate the standards of patient care quality and safety across the institution. Boohaker directs the development and implementation of programs designed to minimize medical errors, enhance patient outcomes, and ensure adherence to best practices in healthcare delivery. This crucial role involves rigorous data analysis, risk assessment, and the promotion of a robust safety culture among all clinical staff. By championing quality improvement initiatives, Emily Boohaker directly contributes to UAB Medicine's mission of providing safe, effective, and compassionate care. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's dedication to patient safety is paramount in maintaining the trust and well-being of the patient population.

    Anand Iyer - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Anand Iyer, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, plays a key role in the strategic direction and operational management of clinical services, focusing on enhancing patient care delivery. Iyer collaborates with medical teams to implement innovative healthcare solutions and improve overall patient outcomes. This leadership position supports UAB Medicine's commitment to advancing medical education and clinical research while ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and satisfaction. By contributing to the refinement of clinical protocols and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, Anand Iyer strengthens the organization's capacity to provide exceptional, compassionate care. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's expertise is vital in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare delivery.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UAB Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UAB Medicine?
    UAB Medicine is led by Dawn Bulgarella (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Elizabeth Bailey (Chief Financial Officer) and Dereck Morrison (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of UAB Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of UAB Medicine includes leaders such as Dawn Bulgarella (Chief Executive Officer), Elizabeth Bailey (Chief Financial Officer), Dereck Morrison (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UAB Medicine have?
    UAB Medicine has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UAB Medicine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UAB Medicine includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.