UNC Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNC Health has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to advancing health, UNC Health provides state-of-the-art patient care and furthers the teaching and research mission of the University of North Carolina.

Leadership Roles at UNC Health

  • Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer - Azita Hamedani
  • Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer - Fletcher Pierce
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Ellington
  • Chief Financial Officer - William Bryant
  • Chief Operating Officer - Robert Malone
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Todd Peterson
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Johnnie Baba
  • Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee - Sandra Tolson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer - Stephen Rinaldi
  • Division Chief Human Resources Officer - Kristina Gates
  • Azita Hamedani - Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer

    Azita Hamedani, the Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for UNC Health Faculty Physicians. This leadership role ensures the alignment of clinical practice with the broader mission of patient care and medical education across North Carolina. Hamedani oversees the integration of faculty physician services with UNC Health's extensive network, driving advancements in patient outcomes and physician engagement. The focus remains on delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare services while supporting the research and teaching endeavors integral to the University of North Carolina's academic mission. This involves fostering collaboration among physician groups and ensuring operational efficiency across all faculty physician departments. Azita Hamedani champions initiatives that enhance the patient experience and support the professional development of physicians within the UNC Health system, solidifying the organization's position as a leading healthcare provider.

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

    Fletcher Pierce, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management for the group's medical entities. This executive leadership ensures the delivery of advanced patient care across UNC Health's diverse facilities, reinforcing the organization's commitment to its teaching and research mission. Pierce oversees the coordination of medical services, driving innovation in clinical protocols and patient treatment methodologies. The role involves enhancing the integration of various medical groups and hospitals within the UNC Health system, promoting a unified approach to healthcare delivery. Fletcher Pierce focuses on optimizing resource allocation and clinical performance to meet the evolving healthcare needs of North Carolina residents. This leadership position is critical in maintaining UNC Health's reputation for excellence in medical services and academic pursuits, ensuring consistent quality and accessibility throughout the state.

    Christopher Ellington - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Ellington, the President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, architects the overarching strategy and operational framework for the integrated health system. This leadership position guides UNC Health's commitment to providing state-of-the-art patient care and advancing the teaching and research missions of the University of North Carolina. Ellington directs the expansion and refinement of clinical services across the system's numerous hospitals and facilities, ensuring high standards of medical excellence and patient safety. The focus involves fostering innovation in healthcare delivery models and strengthening the system's presence throughout North Carolina. Christopher Ellington champions initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and the overall patient experience, solidifying UNC Health's role as a vital healthcare resource for the state. This executive leadership ensures the organization remains at the forefront of medical advancements and accessible care.
    Christopher Ellington

    William Bryant - Chief Financial Officer

    William Bryant, the Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations of the integrated health system. This critical role ensures the financial health and sustainability necessary to support UNC Health's mission of providing state-of-the-art patient care and advancing medical education and research. Bryant oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies across the system's numerous facilities. The focus is on optimizing financial performance, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. William Bryant plays a key part in resource allocation, enabling strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and clinical programs that enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This leadership ensures the financial integrity required for UNC Health to continue its vital service to North Carolina.

    Robert Malone - Chief Operating Officer

    Robert Malone, the Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, oversees the day-to-day operational execution across the integrated health system. This leadership position is central to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of state-of-the-art patient care, supporting the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina, and facilitating research initiatives. Malone directs operational strategies aimed at enhancing patient flow, optimizing resource utilization, and improving clinical workflows across all facilities. The focus involves driving operational excellence, implementing best practices, and ensuring seamless coordination among various hospital and clinic sites. Robert Malone plays a vital role in managing the complex logistical demands of a large healthcare system, ensuring high standards of quality and safety are consistently met. This executive leadership ensures the smooth functioning of UNC Health's extensive network.

    Todd Peterson - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Peterson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, drives the strategic operational initiatives and oversees the comprehensive execution of patient care services across the health system. This leadership role is fundamental to ensuring the seamless integration and efficient functioning of UNC Health's diverse network of hospitals and clinics, supporting its core mission of advanced medical care and academic pursuits. Peterson directs efforts to enhance operational performance, optimize resource allocation, and implement best practices in clinical and administrative processes throughout North Carolina. The focus involves fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. Todd Peterson plays a pivotal role in managing the system's complex operational landscape, driving strategic growth and ensuring the delivery of accessible, high-quality healthcare services.

    Johnnie Baba - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Johnnie Baba, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at UNC Health, architects the technology strategy and oversees the implementation of innovative IT solutions across the integrated health system. This role is crucial for supporting UNC Health's mission of delivering advanced patient care, facilitating medical education, and driving research through robust technological infrastructure. Baba directs the development and management of information systems, ensuring data security, system reliability, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that enhance clinical operations and patient engagement. The focus involves leveraging technology to improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision-making throughout the organization. Johnnie Baba champions digital transformation initiatives, ensuring UNC Health remains at the forefront of healthcare technology, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of care provided to North Carolina communities.
    Johnnie Baba

    Sandra Tolson - Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee

    Sandra Tolson, the Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee at UNC Health, leads the information technology strategy and operations specifically for Pardee UNC Health Care, while contributing to the broader IT initiatives of the system. This role ensures that technology effectively supports patient care delivery, enhances operational efficiency, and aligns with the overarching mission of UNC Health. Tolson oversees the implementation and management of IT systems, focusing on data integrity, system security, and the adoption of technologies that improve clinical workflows and patient engagement within the Pardee network. The focus is on leveraging IT to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services provided by Pardee. Sandra Tolson's leadership ensures that technological advancements directly contribute to the patient experience and the operational success of Pardee UNC Health Care, supporting its integration within the larger UNC Health system.

    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 management and financial optimization strategies for the integrated health system. This executive leadership ensures the financial viability necessary to sustain and expand UNC Health's commitment to state-of-the-art patient care, medical education, and research. Rinaldi oversees all aspects of revenue generation, billing, collections, and payer relations, focusing on maximizing revenue capture while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency. The objective is to enhance financial performance and support strategic investments in clinical services and infrastructure across North Carolina. Stephen Rinaldi plays a critical role in managing the complex financial dynamics of healthcare, driving initiatives that improve financial stewardship and contribute to the long-term sustainability of UNC Health's mission. This leadership ensures robust financial health for continued service.

    Kristina Gates - Division Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kristina Gates, the Division Chief Human Resources Officer at UNC Health, leads the human resources strategy and operations, focusing on talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development across the integrated health system. This role is essential for cultivating a skilled and motivated workforce dedicated to UNC Health's mission of providing exceptional patient care and advancing medical knowledge. Gates oversees the development and implementation of HR policies and programs that support employee well-being, professional growth, and a positive work environment throughout North Carolina. The focus is on attracting, retaining, and developing top talent to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Kristina Gates champions initiatives that foster a diverse and inclusive culture, ensuring that UNC Health remains an employer of choice and that its workforce is equipped to deliver high-quality care and support its academic endeavors.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UNC Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UNC Health?
    UNC Health is led by Azita Hamedani (Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer) and Christopher Ellington (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of UNC Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNC Health includes leaders such as Azita Hamedani (Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer), Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Ellington (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 Unc Health Faculty Physicians President & Chief Executive Officer, Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.