UNC Health Pardee Executive and Leadership Team

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 major departments, ensuring alignment with the mission of improving Western North Carolina's community health since 1953. This leadership role involves driving growth in service lines such as cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and orthopedics, while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered care. Kirby's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships within the UNC Health system and ensuring the hospital's financial health and long-term sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic direction ensures that UNC Health Pardee continues to offer comprehensive healthcare services, including urgent care, surgery, and weight loss programs, to local residents. Jay Kirby's executive oversight guarantees the hospital's commitment to community health initiatives and its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

Jeffrey Rush, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health Pardee, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for the organization. Rush oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, revenue cycle management, and capital allocation, ensuring the hospital's ability to provide comprehensive healthcare services. This role is vital for sustaining and expanding services such as cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and orthopedic services across Western North Carolina. The Interim Chief Financial Officer works to optimize financial performance, supporting the hospital's mission of community health initiatives and patient-centered care. Jeffrey Rush's leadership ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to support operational needs, including those of urgent care, surgery, and weight loss programs. By maintaining fiscal discipline and identifying opportunities for financial efficiency, the Interim Chief Financial Officer underpins the long-term viability and growth of UNC Health Pardee within the UNC Health system.

Regina Curtis, the Chapter President at UNC Health Pardee, leads specific initiatives and programs within the hospital's operational framework. Curtis focuses on advancing the hospital's mission of improving community health in Western North Carolina through targeted projects and stakeholder engagement. This leadership position involves coordinating efforts across various departments to enhance patient experience and service delivery, particularly in areas like primary care and weight loss programs. The Chapter President works to foster strong relationships with community partners and internal teams, ensuring that UNC Health Pardee remains responsive to the healthcare needs of local residents. Regina Curtis's role is instrumental in driving forward specific strategic objectives, supporting the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care and its integration within the UNC Health system. The Chapter President's efforts contribute directly to the hospital's ongoing success in providing comprehensive healthcare services.

Ken Shelton, the Chief of Staff at UNC Health Pardee, serves as a critical liaison between the administrative leadership and the medical staff. Shelton's role involves ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across all clinical departments, supporting the hospital's commitment to patient-centered care. This position requires a deep understanding of clinical operations and the ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans for physicians and healthcare providers. The Chief of Staff works closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer to implement initiatives that enhance service offerings, including cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and orthopedic services. Ken Shelton's focus includes optimizing workflows and promoting best practices to uphold the high standards of healthcare delivery expected by Western NC communities. The Chief of Staff also plays a key part in quality improvement efforts and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, directly impacting the effectiveness of services like urgent care and surgery.

David Ellis, the Chief Medical Officer, Vpma at UNC Health Pardee, leads the clinical strategy and medical affairs for the hospital. Ellis is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of medical care across all service lines, including cancer care, heart and vascular treatment, and orthopedics. This executive role involves direct oversight of physician practices, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety protocols, reinforcing the hospital's dedication to patient-centered care. The Chief Medical Officer, Vpma collaborates closely with administrative leaders to align medical operations with the overall strategic goals of UNC Health Pardee and the broader UNC Health system. David Ellis's leadership ensures that clinical teams are equipped and supported to deliver exceptional healthcare services to Western NC communities, encompassing areas like urgent care and surgery. The Chief Medical Officer, Vpma champions evidence-based medicine and drives innovation in clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.