UAB Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UAB Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, operations, and medical quality.

Driven by a commitment to advanced patient care, UAB Medicine is dedicated to medical education and clinical research, fostering a culture of innovation to improve patient outcomes and deliver compassionate care.

Leadership Roles at UAB Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dawn Bulgarella
  • Chief Financial Officer - Susan Jennings
  • Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery) - Katrina Keefer
  • Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations - Christopher Sale
  • Chief Information Officer - Joan Hicks
  • Chief of Staff - Toni Leeth
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Andrew Land
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine - Emily Boohaker
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer - Anand Iyer
  • Healthcare Executive - Christina Crowe
  • Dawn Bulgarella - Chief Executive Officer

    Dawn Bulgarella, the Chief Executive Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the academic medical center. Overseeing all major divisions, Bulgarella ensures alignment with the organization's mission of delivering advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining the highest standards of quality and patient safety across the system. By fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous learning, Dawn Bulgarella empowers employees to innovate and contribute to improved patient outcomes. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to financial stewardship and market positioning, ensuring UAB Medicine remains a leading healthcare provider in Alabama and beyond. Strategic planning and resource allocation fall under Bulgarella's direct oversight, guaranteeing the efficient and effective operation of this large healthcare employer.
    Dawn Bulgarella

    Susan Jennings - Chief Financial Officer

    Susan Jennings, the Chief Financial Officer at UAB Medicine, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the academic medical center. Overseeing all financial operations, Jennings ensures robust resource management and drives financial sustainability to support advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. This critical role involves developing budgets, managing investments, and optimizing revenue cycles to maintain the organization's position as a leading healthcare employer. By implementing sound financial policies and forecasting future needs, Susan Jennings enables UAB Medicine to expand its services and invest in innovative patient care solutions. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting transparently to stakeholders. Jennings's leadership ensures the financial stability necessary for UAB Medicine to fulfill its mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care.
    Susan Jennings

    Katrina Keefer - Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery)

    Katrina Keefer, the Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery) at UAB Medicine, spearheads financial strategy and oversight for the Montgomery operations. Overseeing fiscal management and resource allocation, Keefer ensures the financial viability of services supporting advanced patient care and regional healthcare needs. This role involves developing budgets, managing financial performance, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization within the Montgomery facilities. By maintaining strong financial controls and reporting, Katrina Keefer supports the delivery of high-quality care and the expansion of services in the region. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with financial regulations and contributing to the overall financial health of UAB Medicine's regional presence. Keefer's financial acumen is vital for sustaining and growing healthcare services in Montgomery.

    Christopher Sale - Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations

    Christopher Sale, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations at UAB Medicine, directs the day-to-day operational efficiency and service delivery across the academic medical center. Overseeing all clinical and administrative operations, Sale ensures the seamless provision of advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. This leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation, enhancing patient flow, and implementing best practices to improve operational performance. By managing departmental functions and driving process improvements, Christopher Sale contributes directly to enhanced patient experiences and outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, managing facilities, and leading initiatives to boost productivity and reduce costs. Sale's operational expertise is crucial for UAB Medicine's commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care efficiently.

    Joan Hicks - Chief Information Officer

    Joan Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at UAB Medicine, architects and executes the technology strategy that underpins advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. Overseeing all information systems and digital infrastructure, Hicks ensures the secure and efficient flow of data critical to patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This leadership position involves driving innovation in health informatics and leveraging technology to enhance collaboration among medical professionals. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures and optimizing electronic health records, Joan Hicks safeguards sensitive patient information and improves clinical workflows. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, leading digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring technological systems support the organization's growth and research endeavors. Hicks champions the integration of cutting-edge technologies to support UAB Medicine's commitment to compassionate care and continuous learning.
    Joan Hicks

    Toni Leeth - Chief of Staff

    Toni Leeth, the Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, serves as a key strategic advisor and operational facilitator for the executive leadership team. Overseeing special projects and driving cross-functional initiatives, Leeth ensures seamless execution of the organization's mission in advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. This pivotal role involves enhancing communication channels, streamlining decision-making processes, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in strategic planning. By coordinating efforts across various departments, Toni Leeth fosters a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and improves patient outcomes. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include managing executive calendars, preparing reports, and ensuring that all organizational activities align with UAB Medicine's core values of teamwork and continuous learning. Leeth's strategic support enables the executive team to effectively lead this leading healthcare system.

    Andrew Land - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Andrew Land, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, contributes to the clinical leadership and strategic direction of medical affairs. Overseeing specific clinical domains, Land supports the delivery of advanced patient care and ensures adherence to the highest standards of medical practice. This role involves collaborating with physicians and healthcare teams to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and clinical outcomes. By participating in the development of clinical protocols and quality improvement initiatives, Andrew Land directly impacts patient well-being. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include supporting medical staff, reviewing clinical performance, and contributing to the educational mission of the institution. Land's medical expertise is vital for upholding UAB Medicine's commitment to excellence in patient care 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, leads initiatives focused on enhancing patient safety and clinical quality across the health system. Overseeing the implementation of evidence-based practices and safety protocols, Boohaker drives improvements in patient care delivery. This critical role involves analyzing safety data, identifying areas for intervention, and fostering a culture of safety among all staff. By developing and executing strategies to reduce medical errors and improve patient outcomes, Emily Boohaker directly contributes to the organization's mission. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include collaborating with clinical teams, monitoring quality metrics, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Boohaker's dedication to quality and safety is paramount to UAB Medicine's commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

    Anand Iyer - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Anand Iyer, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, provides essential clinical leadership and strategic input for medical operations. Overseeing key clinical areas, Iyer supports the advancement of patient care, medical education, and research initiatives. This position involves collaborating with medical staff to ensure the highest standards of clinical practice and patient safety are maintained. By contributing to the development of clinical strategies and quality improvement programs, Anand Iyer enhances the overall patient experience and outcomes. The Associate Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities include supporting departmental goals, participating in clinical reviews, and promoting a culture of continuous learning. Iyer's medical insight is crucial for UAB Medicine's ongoing pursuit of healthcare excellence and innovation.

    Christina Crowe - Healthcare Executive

    Christina Crowe, the Healthcare Executive at UAB Medicine, provides strategic leadership and operational guidance within the complex healthcare environment. Overseeing key initiatives and driving organizational improvements, Crowe supports the delivery of advanced patient care, medical education, and clinical research. This executive role involves navigating regulatory landscapes, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring alignment with UAB Medicine's mission. By championing quality improvement projects and enhancing patient safety protocols, Christina Crowe contributes to superior patient outcomes. The responsibilities of a Healthcare Executive include strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of innovative healthcare solutions. Crowe's expertise is instrumental in advancing UAB Medicine's commitment to compassionate care and operational excellence across its extensive network.

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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 Susan Jennings (Chief Financial Officer) and Katrina Keefer (Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery)).
    Who is part of UAB Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of UAB Medicine includes leaders such as Dawn Bulgarella (Chief Executive Officer), Susan Jennings (Chief Financial Officer), Katrina Keefer (Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery)) 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, Baptist Health, , Al Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (Montgomery), Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations, Chief Information Officer.