UAB Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

S. Dawn Bulgarella, the Chief Executive Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic medical center. Bulgarella oversees the integration of clinical research, medical education, and patient care delivery to maintain the organization's status as a premier healthcare employer in Alabama. By aligning departmental goals with the mission of compassionate care, the Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across the entire health system. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to drive long-term growth and financial sustainability. S. Dawn Bulgarella manages complex stakeholder relationships to expand the reach of advanced medical services. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the health system while fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation for all staff members.

M. Trammell, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama at UAB Medicine, manages clinical operations and service delivery within the central region. Trammell drives regional growth initiatives by expanding access to specialized medical care and improving patient outcomes. The Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama coordinates with local leadership to ensure that the high standards of the broader health system remain consistent across all facilities. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining patient workflows, M. Trammell enhances the efficiency of regional medical services. This role requires deep engagement with community health needs to tailor clinical offerings effectively. Through the implementation of strategic regional policies, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama strengthens the market position of the organization while maintaining a focus on compassionate, high-quality care for every patient.

Michael Heckman, the Chief Financial Officer at UAB Medicine, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the academic medical center. Heckman oversees revenue cycle management, capital investments, and budgetary allocations to support the organization's mission of delivering high-quality care. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with strategic priorities, including clinical research expansion and facility upgrades. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, Michael Heckman drives efficiency across all departments. This role involves providing the Board with accurate financial insights to guide major institutional decisions. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer secures the stability necessary for sustained growth. Heckman maintains a focus on optimizing the financial performance of the health system, ensuring that resources remain available to support the compassionate care of every patient and family served.

Christopher Sale, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations at UAB Medicine, manages the day-to-day operational functions of the health system. Sale oversees facility management, supply chain logistics, and internal service delivery to ensure that clinical teams have the resources required for patient care. The Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations drives initiatives to streamline hospital workflows and improve operational efficiency. By coordinating across various departments, Christopher Sale ensures that the organization meets its performance targets while maintaining high standards of service. This role involves implementing process improvements that reduce waste and enhance the patient experience. Through the rigorous oversight of operational metrics, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations supports the organization's mission of providing compassionate care. Sale maintains a focus on scaling operations to meet the growing demand for advanced medical services.

Summer Tappan, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Medical at UAB Medicine, manages the clinical operations and service line performance for the medical group. Tappan oversees the integration of specialized medical services to ensure consistent, high-quality care delivery across all clinics. The Group Chief Operating Officer, Medical drives the development of patient-centered care models that improve access and clinical outcomes. By collaborating with department heads, Summer Tappan optimizes the utilization of medical staff and clinical resources. This role involves monitoring performance indicators to ensure that the medical group meets its strategic objectives. Through the implementation of standardized clinical protocols, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Medical enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services. Tappan maintains a focus on fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement within the medical group to support the organization's mission.

Toni Leeth, the Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, manages executive communications and facilitates strategic alignment across the leadership team. Leeth coordinates high-level projects that bridge the gap between clinical departments and administrative functions. The Chief of Staff ensures that the executive office operates with maximum efficiency, allowing for rapid decision-making on critical healthcare initiatives. By managing the flow of information to the Board and senior leadership, Toni Leeth supports the execution of the organization's mission. This role involves overseeing complex organizational processes to ensure that all departments remain focused on patient-centered goals. Through the synchronization of internal operations, the Chief of Staff drives the implementation of institutional priorities. Leeth maintains a clear focus on organizational health, ensuring that the leadership team remains cohesive and effective in delivering advanced medical care to the community.

Christopher Shepard, the Chief Technology Officer at UAB Medicine, architects the digital infrastructure required to support advanced clinical research and patient care. Shepard drives the adoption of cutting-edge medical technologies that enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. The Chief Technology Officer oversees the development of scalable platforms that integrate complex data sets across the health system. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, Christopher Shepard ensures that clinical teams have uninterrupted access to vital patient information. This role involves collaborating with medical staff to identify technological gaps and implementing innovative solutions that improve operational workflows. Through the strategic deployment of digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer supports the organization's commitment to continuous learning and medical excellence. Shepard maintains a focus on future-proofing the health system's technological capabilities to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.

Joan Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the information systems and data management strategies that underpin the health system's operations. Hicks oversees the implementation of electronic health records and data analytics platforms to improve clinical decision-making. The Chief Information Officer ensures that information flows seamlessly between departments, facilitating better collaboration among medical teams. By managing the integrity and accessibility of patient data, Joan Hicks supports the organization's commitment to high-quality, evidence-based care. This role involves leading large-scale digital transformations that enhance the efficiency of administrative and clinical processes. Through the strategic management of information assets, the Chief Information Officer drives innovation in how the health system delivers services. Hicks maintains a focus on leveraging data to improve patient outcomes and operational performance across the entire academic medical center.

John Petrov, the Chief Human Resources Officer at UAB Medicine, manages the talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives for the health system. Petrov oversees the recruitment of top-tier medical and administrative professionals to support the organization's mission. The Chief Human Resources Officer drives programs that promote employee engagement, continuous learning, and professional growth. By aligning human capital strategies with the broader goals of the academic medical center, John Petrov ensures that the workforce remains committed to delivering compassionate care. This role involves managing labor relations and fostering an inclusive environment where innovation thrives. Through the implementation of effective talent management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term success of the health system. Petrov maintains a focus on building a resilient and skilled workforce capable of meeting the complex demands of modern healthcare.

Emily Boohaker, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine at UAB Medicine, manages the clinical quality standards and safety protocols across the health system. Boohaker oversees the implementation of evidence-based practices that minimize risks and improve patient outcomes. The Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine drives initiatives to monitor and enhance the quality of care delivered in every clinical setting. By collaborating with medical staff, Emily Boohaker ensures that the organization adheres to the highest safety benchmarks. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions. Through the rigorous oversight of quality metrics, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine supports the organization's commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Boohaker maintains a focus on fostering a culture of safety and excellence for every patient.