UNC Health Pardee Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNC Health Pardee has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, medical operations, finance, and chapter leadership.

Dedicated to improving the health of Western NC communities, UNC Health Pardee offers comprehensive healthcare services and emphasizes patient-centered care and community health initiatives as part of the UNC Health system.

Leadership Roles at UNC Health Pardee

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jay Kirby
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Jeffrey Rush
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Sunday
  • Chapter President - Regina Curtis
  • Chief of Staff - Ken Shelton
  • Chief Medical Officer, Vpma - David Ellis
  • Jay Kirby - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jay Kirby, the President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health Pardee, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the hospital. Kirby oversees all departments, ensuring alignment with the mission of improving Western North Carolina's health. This leadership role involves driving growth and enhancing the quality of patient-centered care across all service lines, including cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and orthopedics. Kirby's executive decisions directly impact the hospital's integration within the broader UNC Health system and its commitment to community health initiatives. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that Pardee Hospital maintains its dedication to serving local residents with comprehensive healthcare support. Jay Kirby's focus remains on fostering innovation and operational excellence to meet the evolving needs of the community.
    Jay Kirby

    Jeffrey Rush - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Jeffrey Rush, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health Pardee, manages the financial operations and fiscal health of the hospital. Rush oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services. This role is critical for ensuring the hospital's financial sustainability while maintaining its dedication to patient-centered care and community health initiatives. The Interim Chief Financial Officer works to optimize financial performance across all service lines, including cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and surgery. Rush's leadership ensures that financial strategies align with the hospital's mission of improving Western North Carolina's health. Jeffrey Rush's oversight is crucial for maintaining fiscal responsibility and supporting the hospital's long-term objectives within the UNC Health system.

    Michael Sunday - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Sunday, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health Pardee, directs the financial strategy and management for the organization. Sunday is responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring the hospital's fiscal integrity and operational efficiency. This executive function supports the delivery of a wide range of services, from cancer care to orthopedics, by providing robust financial oversight. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in resource allocation, capital investments, and managing relationships with financial institutions. Sunday's leadership ensures that financial resources effectively support the hospital's mission of improving Western North Carolina's health and its commitment to patient-centered care. Michael Sunday's financial acumen is vital for the hospital's growth and its role within the UNC Health system.

    Regina Curtis - Chapter President

    Regina Curtis, the Chapter President at UNC Health Pardee, leads specific initiatives and represents a key segment of the hospital's community engagement. Curtis focuses on advancing the goals of a particular chapter, contributing to the broader mission of improving Western North Carolina's health. This leadership position involves fostering community partnerships and driving programs that enhance local healthcare access and support. The Chapter President works to ensure that the chapter's activities align with the hospital's dedication to patient-centered care and community health initiatives. Regina Curtis's role is instrumental in strengthening the hospital's connection with the residents it serves, supporting its comprehensive healthcare offerings.

    Ken Shelton - Chief of Staff

    Ken Shelton, the Chief of Staff at UNC Health Pardee, provides critical support and strategic counsel to the President & Chief Executive Officer. Shelton manages key initiatives and ensures efficient communication across executive leadership. This role involves coordinating efforts to enhance patient-centered care and community health programs, directly supporting the hospital's mission. The Chief of Staff facilitates the implementation of strategic plans, working closely with department heads to achieve operational objectives. Shelton's responsibilities include overseeing special projects and ensuring the smooth functioning of executive operations. This leadership position is vital for maintaining the hospital's commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to Western North Carolina residents. Ken Shelton's contributions are essential for driving the hospital's strategic goals and operational effectiveness.

    David Ellis - Chief Medical Officer, Vpma

    David Ellis, the Chief Medical Officer, Vpma at UNC Health Pardee, leads the clinical operations and medical staff. Ellis ensures the highest standards of patient care are met across all medical services, including heart and vascular treatment, surgery, and primary care. This role is central to upholding the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care and community health initiatives. The Chief Medical Officer, Vpma oversees quality improvement programs, clinical protocols, and physician relations, driving excellence in healthcare delivery. Ellis's leadership ensures that medical practices align with the hospital's mission of improving Western North Carolina's health. David Ellis's expertise is fundamental to the hospital's reputation for providing comprehensive and compassionate medical support.

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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 Jeffrey Rush (Interim Chief Financial Officer) 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), Jeffrey Rush (Interim Chief Financial Officer), 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, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chapter President, Chief of Staff.