UAB Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

Dawn Bulgarella, the Chief Executive Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic medical center. Overseeing the integration of clinical research with patient care delivery, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all departments. This leadership role involves managing complex healthcare systems to maintain high standards of medical excellence. By fostering a culture of innovation, Bulgarella drives the organization toward improved patient outcomes and sustainable growth. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to refine long-term goals, ensuring the health system remains a premier provider in Alabama. Through rigorous oversight of institutional resources, Dawn Bulgarella secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise. This executive leadership maintains a focus on compassionate care, ensuring that every patient receives high-quality treatment within the expansive UAB Medicine network.

M. Trammell, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama at UAB Medicine, manages clinical operations across the central region. Overseeing regional healthcare delivery, the Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama ensures that local facilities adhere to the high standards established by the broader academic medical center. This role involves coordinating with regional stakeholders to expand access to specialized medical services. By optimizing local workflows, Trammell improves operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. The Regional Chief Executive Officer, Medical Center of Central Alabama aligns regional initiatives with the mission of providing compassionate care to every patient. Through strategic management of regional assets, M. Trammell strengthens the presence of the health system in central Alabama. This leadership position focuses on maintaining clinical quality while addressing the unique healthcare needs of the local population served by the medical center.

Michael Heckman, the Chief Financial Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the fiscal strategy and resource allocation for the academic medical center. Overseeing financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the long-term sustainability of clinical research and patient care programs. This role involves managing capital investments and operational budgets to support the growth of the health system. By analyzing financial performance, Heckman identifies opportunities for cost-efficiency and revenue optimization. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align fiscal policies with the mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care. Through rigorous financial oversight, Michael Heckman maintains the economic stability required for continuous learning and medical innovation. This leadership position ensures that the organization possesses the necessary resources to fulfill its commitment to patients and the community while navigating the complexities of the modern healthcare landscape.

Janet Hadar, the Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System at UAB Medicine, manages the daily clinical operations of the health system. Overseeing the delivery of patient care services, the Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System ensures that all clinical departments operate with maximum efficiency and quality. This role involves coordinating resources to support medical education and clinical research initiatives. By optimizing patient flow and service delivery, Hadar improves the overall experience for patients and families. The Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System collaborates with other leaders to implement best practices in healthcare management. Through the oversight of clinical operations, Janet Hadar supports the mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care. This executive position focuses on the operational excellence required to maintain the status of the organization as a leading academic medical center, ensuring that clinical services meet the highest standards.

Christopher Sale, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations at UAB Medicine, directs the logistical and support operations of the health system. Overseeing facility management and supply chain logistics, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations ensures that the medical center maintains a safe and functional environment for patient care. This role involves managing the infrastructure that supports clinical activities and research. By streamlining operational processes, Sale enhances the overall productivity of the organization. The Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations works with the leadership team to ensure that operational support aligns with the mission of the health system. Through the management of essential services, Christopher Sale contributes to the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care. This executive role focuses on the foundational elements of the medical center, ensuring that all operational systems support the broader goals of the institution.

Joan Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at UAB Medicine, architects the digital framework supporting clinical and administrative functions. Overseeing the implementation of advanced health information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and security across the academic medical center. This role involves managing complex digital ecosystems to facilitate seamless communication between medical staff and researchers. By optimizing electronic health records, Hicks improves the efficiency of patient care delivery. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into the broader mission of medical education and research. Through the deployment of robust digital tools, Joan Hicks supports the organization in maintaining its status as a leader in healthcare innovation. This executive function remains critical for the modernization of clinical workflows, ensuring that data-driven insights directly enhance the quality of care provided to patients and families.

Christopher Shepard, the Chief Technology Officer at UAB Medicine, drives the development of scalable technical infrastructure. Overseeing the integration of emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the medical center utilizes cutting-edge tools for clinical research and patient diagnostics. This role involves managing the technical roadmap to support the digital transformation of healthcare services. By implementing advanced software solutions, Shepard enhances the capabilities of medical staff and researchers. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with the IT department to ensure that technical systems remain secure and reliable. Through the strategic application of technology, Christopher Shepard supports the mission of delivering advanced patient care. This executive role focuses on creating a robust technical environment that fosters innovation and improves clinical outcomes across the entire health system, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of medical technology.

Toni Leeth, the Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, coordinates administrative operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain aligned with the mission of the academic medical center. This role involves managing complex projects and serving as a liaison between the C-suite and various departments. By streamlining internal processes, Leeth improves the efficiency of the leadership team. The Chief of Staff supports the CEO in managing institutional priorities and fostering a culture of collaboration. Through effective administrative oversight, Toni Leeth ensures that the organization functions as a cohesive unit. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the focus on compassionate care and medical excellence, as the Chief of Staff manages the operational details that allow the health system to thrive.

John Petrov, the Chief Human Resources Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the talent management and workforce development strategies for the academic medical center. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and supports top-tier medical professionals and staff. This role involves fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous learning, which remains central to the mission of the health system. By implementing effective human capital policies, Petrov improves employee satisfaction and organizational performance. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with other leaders to align workforce capabilities with the evolving needs of the medical center. Through the management of human resources, John Petrov supports the delivery of compassionate care by ensuring that the staff remains well-equipped and motivated. This executive position focuses on building a strong, collaborative workforce that drives the success of the entire institution.

Emily Boohaker, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine at UAB Medicine, directs initiatives focused on clinical quality and patient safety. Overseeing the implementation of safety protocols, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine ensures that all clinical practices meet rigorous standards of care. This role involves analyzing patient outcomes to identify areas for improvement and innovation. By fostering a culture of safety, Boohaker reduces risks and enhances the quality of treatment provided to patients. The Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine collaborates with medical staff to integrate evidence-based practices into daily operations. Through the oversight of quality metrics, Emily Boohaker supports the mission of providing compassionate care to every patient. This executive position remains critical for maintaining the reputation of the medical center as a leader in patient safety and clinical excellence.