UNC Health Pardee Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNC Health Pardee has 6 executives leading key functions including strategic administration, physician network management, medical staff coordination, financial oversight, and clinical quality assurance.

Committed to advancing regional wellness, UNC Health Pardee delivers comprehensive medical services while maintaining a patient-centered approach to community health across Western North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at UNC Health Pardee

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jay Kirby
  • Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care - Jay Hurwitz
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Sunday
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Rush
  • Chief of Staff - Ken Shelton
  • Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Affairs - Gregory McCarty
  • Jay Kirby - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jay Kirby, the President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health Pardee, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational excellence of the entire hospital system. Kirby manages the integration of specialized services like cancer care and vascular treatment into the broader UNC Health network. By aligning clinical goals with community health needs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that Hendersonville residents receive high-quality, accessible medical support. Jay Kirby maintains constant communication with the Board to drive long-term growth and facility expansion. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across all departments to improve patient outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of hospital operations, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of safety and innovation. Ultimately, Kirby secures the financial and operational stability required to sustain the mission of providing comprehensive healthcare to Western North Carolina.
    Jay Kirby

    Jay Hurwitz - Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care

    Jay Hurwitz, the Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care at UNC Health Pardee, architects the expansion of primary care and urgent care access points throughout the region. Hurwitz coordinates the recruitment and retention of medical professionals to ensure consistent service delivery across all clinics. By streamlining patient intake processes, the Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care improves operational efficiency and reduces wait times for local residents. Jay Hurwitz collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate urgent care workflows with hospital-based surgical and orthopedic services. This leadership role focuses on scaling the physician network to meet the growing demand for outpatient care in Western North Carolina. Through strategic management of clinical partnerships, Hurwitz drives the growth of the outpatient service model while maintaining high standards of patient-centered care.

    Michael Sunday - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Sunday, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health Pardee, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term financial planning for the organization. Sunday oversees the budgeting process for capital investments, including new medical technology and facility upgrades for heart and vascular treatment centers. By monitoring revenue cycles and operational costs, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the hospital maintains the resources necessary to support community health initiatives. Michael Sunday collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial feasibility of new service lines and weight loss programs. This leadership role involves managing complex financial reporting to ensure compliance with regional and system-wide standards. Through prudent fiscal management, Sunday secures the economic foundation required for the hospital to continue providing high-quality care to the residents of Western North Carolina.

    Jeffrey Rush - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Rush, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health Pardee, manages the immediate financial operations and liquidity requirements of the hospital system. Rush focuses on optimizing current cash flow and streamlining procurement processes to support the daily needs of the surgery and orthopedics departments. By conducting detailed audits of departmental spending, the Interim Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost reduction without compromising patient care quality. Jeffrey Rush works alongside the executive leadership to maintain financial transparency and prepare for future budgetary cycles. This leadership role involves providing critical financial insights to the Board to guide short-term decision-making during periods of organizational transition. Through diligent oversight of accounting functions, Rush ensures that the hospital remains financially agile while continuing to deliver essential medical services to the Hendersonville community.

    Ken Shelton - Chief of Staff

    Ken Shelton, the Chief of Staff at UNC Health Pardee, manages the administrative alignment between the medical staff and the executive leadership team. Shelton facilitates communication regarding clinical policies and ensures that all practitioners adhere to the high standards of care expected within the UNC Health system. By overseeing the credentialing and professional development of the medical team, the Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of the hospital's surgical and specialty departments. Ken Shelton works closely with the Chief Medical Officer to resolve operational bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of patient care delivery. This leadership role involves mediating complex organizational challenges to ensure a cohesive environment for both staff and patients. Through consistent engagement with the medical board, Shelton supports the hospital's mission of providing comprehensive health services to the Hendersonville community.

    Gregory McCarty - Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Affairs

    Gregory McCarty, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Affairs at UNC Health Pardee, directs the clinical quality and safety protocols across all hospital departments. McCarty oversees the implementation of evidence-based practices in cancer care and vascular treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes. By leading peer review committees and clinical performance initiatives, the Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Medical Affairs maintains the highest standards of medical excellence. Gregory McCarty collaborates with the Chief of Staff to align medical staff activities with the broader strategic goals of the UNC Health system. This leadership role involves managing clinical risk and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in patient care delivery. Through the oversight of medical affairs, McCarty ensures that the hospital remains a leader in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Western North Carolina.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNC Health Pardee Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNC Health Pardee?
    UNC Health Pardee is led by Jay Kirby (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jay Hurwitz (Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care) and Michael Sunday (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of UNC Health Pardee’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNC Health Pardee includes leaders such as Jay Kirby (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jay Hurwitz (Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care), Michael Sunday (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNC Health Pardee have?
    UNC Health Pardee has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNC Health Pardee’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNC Health Pardee includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Physician Network and Chief Executive Officer, Urgent Care, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff.