UNC Health Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNC Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, financial management, and technological innovation.

Committed to advancing medical education and patient outcomes, UNC Health delivers comprehensive care across North Carolina through an integrated network of hospitals and research-focused medical facilities.

Leadership Roles at UNC Health

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Ellington
  • Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer - Azita Hamedani
  • Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer - Fletcher Pierce
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Jones
  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer - Eric Wolak
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Todd Peterson
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Jeffery Lindsay
  • Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's - Bays Coppedge
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer - Stephen Rinaldi
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Johnnie Baba
  • Christopher Ellington - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Ellington, the President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this expansive state-owned medical system. Overseeing the integration of diverse hospital entities across North Carolina, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between clinical excellence and the academic mission of the University of North Carolina. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term sustainability for the entire provider network. By prioritizing state-of-the-art patient care, Christopher Ellington maintains the high national rankings of the system. Ellington focuses on scaling operational efficiency while fostering innovation within the School of Medicine. Through rigorous oversight of system-wide performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of regional health delivery, ensuring that every facility meets the rigorous standards required for top-tier medical research and community-based treatment.
    Christopher Ellington

    Azita Hamedani - Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer

    Azita Hamedani, the Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, manages the professional practice and clinical output of the faculty physician group. Directing the integration of academic research into daily patient care, the Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the delivery of specialized medical services across the entire network. This role involves coordinating with department chairs to ensure that clinical workflows support both educational objectives and patient volume requirements. By streamlining physician engagement, Azita Hamedani enhances the quality of care provided at major medical centers and regional hospitals. Hamedani drives initiatives that bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and bedside application. Through the management of faculty resources, the Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the system as a premier destination for complex medical treatment and advanced clinical training.

    Fletcher Pierce - Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer

    Fletcher Pierce, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, governs the operational performance of specific medical groups within the broader system. Overseeing the clinical standards and administrative efficiency of these groups, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that patient care remains consistent with the high benchmarks set by the system. This leadership position involves managing regional provider networks to expand access to specialized services across diverse geographic areas. By implementing standardized care protocols, Fletcher Pierce improves health outcomes and operational throughput. Pierce coordinates with other executive leaders to align medical group activities with the overarching mission of the organization. Through the strategic management of clinical assets, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer bolsters the system's ability to provide high-quality, accessible care to communities throughout the state of North Carolina.

    Gregory Jones - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Jones, the Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire integrated system. Overseeing the financial planning, revenue cycle management, and budgetary compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the expansion of patient care facilities and research initiatives. This role involves analyzing market trends to optimize investment in medical technology and infrastructure across all regional hospitals. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Gregory Jones supports the long-term viability of the organization. Jones collaborates with the Board to align fiscal policy with the strategic goals of the system. Through the oversight of financial operations, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to sustain its commitment to the teaching mission while providing state-of-the-art care. This leadership function remains critical for balancing the costs of advanced medical services with the need for broad community access.

    Eric Wolak - Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer

    Eric Wolak, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer at UNC Health, directs the daily operational workflows and nursing standards across the hospital network. Overseeing the integration of clinical nursing practices with operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer ensures that patient care delivery remains safe, effective, and scalable. This role involves managing staffing models and nursing quality initiatives to maintain high standards of care in every facility. By optimizing hospital operations, Eric Wolak improves patient flow and resource utilization. Wolak collaborates with clinical leaders to implement evidence-based nursing protocols that enhance the overall patient experience. Through the oversight of nursing operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer strengthens the system's ability to provide consistent, high-quality care, ensuring that clinical teams have the support and infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of a complex, multi-site medical environment.

    Todd Peterson - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Peterson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, manages the broad operational infrastructure and administrative execution of the system. Overseeing the day-to-day performance of hospitals and clinics, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational processes support the delivery of state-of-the-art patient care. This role involves driving efficiency improvements across the entire network to maximize the impact of clinical resources. By coordinating with regional hospital leaders, Todd Peterson maintains operational consistency and service quality. Peterson focuses on scaling administrative systems to support the growth of the provider network. Through the oversight of operational strategy, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer enables the organization to meet its mission of providing high-quality care while managing the complexities of a large, integrated health system. This leadership role remains essential for maintaining the operational excellence required for top-tier medical centers.

    Jeffery Lindsay - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffery Lindsay, the President & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, manages the operational execution and strategic growth of specific hospital divisions. Overseeing the performance of key medical centers, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical operations meet the high standards of the system. This role involves driving initiatives that improve patient access and service quality across the network. By focusing on operational excellence, Jeffery Lindsay enhances the efficiency of care delivery in major medical facilities. Lindsay coordinates with other executives to align operational goals with the system's mission of providing state-of-the-art care. Through the oversight of hospital operations, the President & Chief Operating Officer strengthens the organization's market position, ensuring that facilities remain competitive and capable of meeting the diverse health needs of the population. This leadership function is critical for maintaining the high quality of care that defines the system's reputation.
    Jeffery Lindsay

    Bays Coppedge - Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's

    Bays Coppedge, the Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's at UNC Health, coordinates executive operations and long-term strategic planning for pediatric services. Overseeing the alignment of administrative functions with the specialized needs of children's health, the Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's ensures that clinical planning supports the unique requirements of pediatric patients. This role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and clinical leadership to streamline decision-making processes. By managing the strategic roadmap for pediatric expansion, Bays Coppedge enhances the system's capacity to deliver specialized care. Coppedge drives initiatives that integrate pediatric research with clinical practice. Through the oversight of system planning, the Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of pediatric medicine, providing comprehensive support for families across the entire state network.

    Stephen Rinaldi - Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

    Stephen Rinaldi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at UNC Health, directs the revenue cycle and financial growth strategies for the organization. Overseeing the billing, collections, and reimbursement processes, the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer ensures that the system maintains the financial strength necessary to support its teaching and clinical missions. This role involves optimizing revenue streams through improved administrative workflows and strategic payer partnerships. By analyzing financial data, Stephen Rinaldi identifies opportunities to enhance the efficiency of the revenue cycle. Rinaldi collaborates with the finance team to ensure that revenue generation aligns with the broader goals of the system. Through the oversight of revenue operations, the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer secures the resources required to invest in advanced medical technology and facility upgrades, ultimately supporting the organization's commitment to providing state-of-the-art care to patients across the state.

    Johnnie Baba - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Johnnie Baba, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at UNC Health, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the entire health system. Overseeing the implementation of advanced health information systems, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that clinical and administrative teams have the tools necessary for efficient, data-driven care. This role involves managing cybersecurity, data analytics, and the integration of new medical technologies across all hospitals and clinics. By modernizing the digital landscape, Johnnie Baba improves the interoperability of patient records and enhances the quality of care. Baba collaborates with clinical leaders to leverage technology for better patient outcomes. Through the oversight of technological strategy, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer enables the organization to remain at the cutting edge of medical innovation, supporting the teaching mission and the delivery of state-of-the-art care through robust, secure, and scalable digital solutions.
    Johnnie Baba

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNC Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNC Health?
    UNC Health is led by Christopher Ellington (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Azita Hamedani (Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer) and Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of UNC Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNC Health includes leaders such as Christopher Ellington (President & Chief Executive Officer), Azita Hamedani (Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer), Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UNC Health have?
    UNC Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UNC Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UNC Health includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer, Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Chief & Nurse & Officer.