UAB Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UAB Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, operational oversight, and clinical quality.

Committed to advancing academic healthcare, UAB Medicine delivers high-quality patient care through a foundation of continuous research, medical education, and collaborative innovation across the entire health system.

Leadership Roles at UAB Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - S. Dawn Bulgarella
  • Chief Financial Officer - Susan Jennings
  • Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System - Janet Hadar
  • 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 - Anand Iyer
  • Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine - Emily Boohaker
  • Officer - Amos Payton
  • S. Dawn Bulgarella - Chief Executive Officer

    S. 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, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the health system maintains its status as a premier healthcare employer. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with university stakeholders and board members to drive long-term institutional growth. By prioritizing compassionate care and operational excellence, S. Dawn Bulgarella shapes the future of medical delivery across the region. The Chief Executive Officer monitors financial health and clinical outcomes to guarantee that the organization meets its mission of providing high-quality services to every patient. Through consistent focus on innovation and teamwork, Bulgarella secures the competitive position of the system within the national healthcare landscape, fostering an environment where medical education and advanced clinical practice thrive together.
    S. Dawn Bulgarella

    Susan Jennings - Chief Financial Officer

    Susan Jennings, the Chief Financial Officer at UAB Medicine, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this expansive academic medical center. Overseeing the budgeting process and financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the mission of delivering advanced patient care. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from clinical services and research grants to maintain institutional stability. By optimizing cost structures and financial reporting, Susan Jennings supports the expansion of medical facilities and the acquisition of cutting-edge technology. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to balance the demands of medical education with the necessity of operational profitability. Through rigorous financial oversight, Jennings secures the resources required for the system to continue providing compassionate care, ensuring that the organization remains a sustainable leader in the healthcare industry.
    Susan Jennings

    Janet Hadar - Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System

    Janet Hadar, the Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System at UAB Medicine, directs the daily operational activities of the health system. Overseeing the performance of clinical departments, the Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System ensures that patient care delivery remains efficient and effective. This role involves managing the logistics of hospital services and coordinating with medical staff to maintain high standards of care. By implementing process improvements, Janet Hadar optimizes the use of hospital resources and improves the overall patient experience. The Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System collaborates with other executives to align operational capacity with the growing demand for specialized medical services. Through the management of complex clinical workflows, Hadar drives the operational success of the system, ensuring that every department functions at peak performance to support the mission of providing compassionate care to the community.

    Christopher Sale - Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations

    Christopher Sale, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations at UAB Medicine, manages the physical infrastructure and operational support services of the medical center. Overseeing facility maintenance and supply chain logistics, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations ensures that the clinical environment remains safe and fully equipped for patient care. This role involves directing the support teams that maintain the physical plant and operational systems necessary for hospital functionality. By optimizing the supply chain and facility usage, Christopher Sale reduces waste and enhances the reliability of hospital services. The Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations works with the leadership team to plan for future infrastructure needs, supporting the long-term growth of the health system. Through the management of essential operational services, Sale ensures that the medical staff has the environment and resources required to deliver high-quality care to every patient.

    Joan Hicks - Chief Information Officer

    Joan Hicks, the Chief Information Officer at UAB Medicine, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern academic healthcare. Managing the secure flow of clinical data, the Chief Information Officer ensures that medical professionals possess the tools required for precise patient diagnostics and treatment. This role involves overseeing large-scale technology implementations that support both research initiatives and daily hospital operations. By modernizing electronic health records and cybersecurity protocols, Joan Hicks protects sensitive patient information while enhancing operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to integrate advanced analytics into the care delivery model, directly impacting the quality of outcomes. Through the deployment of robust digital platforms, Hicks drives the technological evolution of the health system, ensuring that infrastructure remains scalable and responsive to the needs of a diverse patient population across the regional network.
    Joan Hicks

    Toni Leeth - Chief of Staff

    Toni Leeth, the Chief of Staff at UAB Medicine, coordinates the administrative functions and strategic priorities of the executive leadership team. Facilitating communication between departments, the Chief of Staff ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized across the academic medical center. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact the entire health system, from clinical workflow improvements to administrative policy development. By streamlining internal processes, Toni Leeth enhances the efficiency of the leadership structure, allowing for rapid decision-making in a fast-paced healthcare environment. The Chief of Staff acts as a primary liaison for the board and senior management, ensuring that the mission of providing high-quality care remains the central focus of all administrative activities. Through meticulous planning and execution, Leeth supports the operational success of the organization, fostering a culture of collaboration that defines the daily work of the entire medical staff.

    Andrew Land - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Andrew Land, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, directs clinical initiatives focused on improving patient outcomes and medical practice standards. Overseeing the integration of evidence-based medicine into daily hospital operations, the Associate Chief Medical Officer ensures that clinical teams provide the highest level of care. This role involves collaborating with department heads to refine treatment protocols and enhance the efficiency of medical services. By monitoring clinical performance metrics, Andrew Land identifies opportunities for improvement in patient care delivery. The Associate Chief Medical Officer works with the broader leadership team to foster a culture of continuous learning and research within the medical staff. Through the application of advanced clinical knowledge, Land supports the mission of the health system, ensuring that every patient receives compassionate and effective treatment that reflects the latest developments in medical science.

    Anand Iyer - Associate Chief Medical Officer

    Anand Iyer, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at UAB Medicine, manages clinical strategy and physician engagement to support the health system's mission. Overseeing the alignment of medical staff activities with institutional goals, the Associate Chief Medical Officer ensures that clinical care remains consistent and high-quality. This role involves leading initiatives that improve physician productivity and patient satisfaction across the medical center. By facilitating communication between the medical staff and hospital administration, Anand Iyer helps resolve operational challenges that impact care delivery. The Associate Chief Medical Officer collaborates with other clinical leaders to implement new medical technologies and treatment methodologies. Through the focus on physician leadership and clinical excellence, Iyer drives the success of the health system, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in providing advanced, compassionate care to the diverse patient population it serves.

    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 the efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety and care quality. Overseeing the implementation of quality improvement programs, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine ensures that all clinical practices meet rigorous safety benchmarks. This role involves analyzing patient outcomes and identifying areas where the health system can enhance its safety protocols. By fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement, Emily Boohaker reduces medical errors and improves the overall patient experience. The Associate Chief Medical Officer, Quality & Patient Safety, Uab Medicine works with clinical teams to ensure that every procedure adheres to the best practices in the industry. Through the dedication to patient safety, Boohaker supports the core mission of the organization, ensuring that every family receives the safest and most compassionate care possible.

    Amos Payton - Officer

    Amos Payton, the Officer at UAB Medicine, executes specialized administrative and operational tasks that support the broader mission of the health system. Overseeing specific departmental functions, the Officer ensures that internal processes align with the high standards of this academic medical center. This role involves managing cross-functional initiatives that improve the delivery of patient care and support the needs of the medical staff. By focusing on operational efficiency and team collaboration, Amos Payton contributes to the overall success of the organization. The Officer works closely with other leaders to implement strategic changes that enhance the quality of services provided to the community. Through the diligent management of assigned responsibilities, Payton supports the institutional goals of UAB Medicine, ensuring that the health system continues to provide compassionate and advanced care to every patient and family served.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UAB Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UAB Medicine?
    UAB Medicine is led by S. Dawn Bulgarella (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Susan Jennings (Chief Financial Officer) and Janet Hadar (Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System).
    Who is part of UAB Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of UAB Medicine includes leaders such as S. Dawn Bulgarella (Chief Executive Officer), Susan Jennings (Chief Financial Officer), Janet Hadar (Chief Operating Officer, Uab Health System) 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, Uab Health System, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President, Operations, Chief Information Officer.