UNC Health Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to advancing health and wellness, UNC Health provides state-of-the-art patient care and furthers the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina, impacting healthcare across 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
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Jones
  • Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer - Howard Whitfield
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Todd Peterson
  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Organizational Effectiveness - Michelle Langford
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer - Stephen Rinaldi
  • Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer - Douglas Harrison
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Johnnie Baba
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Brent Lamm
  • 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 the faculty physician group. This leadership role involves ensuring alignment between clinical practice, medical education, and research initiatives, directly supporting UNC Health's core mission. Hamedani oversees the integration of advanced patient care methodologies across the physician network, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and clinical excellence. The focus remains on enhancing patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge through dedicated faculty physicians. This executive drives the expansion of specialized medical services, ensuring UNC Health remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Azita Hamedani's leadership ensures the faculty physicians are equipped to deliver world-class care and contribute significantly to the academic and clinical endeavors of the organization.

    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 oversight for the broader medical group. This critical position involves guiding the integration of diverse healthcare facilities and services across North Carolina, ensuring a unified approach to patient care and system efficiency. Pierce directs initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical quality, patient safety, and access to specialized medical services throughout the state. The executive's responsibilities include fostering collaborative relationships among medical professionals and administrative teams to advance UNC Health's teaching and research missions. Fletcher Pierce's leadership ensures the effective management of a complex network of hospitals and clinics, driving growth and operational excellence. This role is pivotal in maintaining UNC Health's reputation for delivering advanced, compassionate care.

    Gregory Jones - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Jones, the Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the integrated health system. This executive oversees budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies to ensure the organization's financial health and sustainability. Jones guides the allocation of resources to support patient care, medical research, and educational programs, aligning financial decisions with UNC Health's mission. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for managing financial risks, optimizing operational efficiencies, and securing funding for capital projects and strategic growth initiatives across North Carolina. Gregory Jones's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the organization's strong market position and its ability to provide state-of-the-art patient care. This leadership ensures fiscal responsibility across all UNC Health entities.

    Howard Whitfield - Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer

    Howard Whitfield, the Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, oversees the day-to-day operational functions across the health system's extensive network. This executive directs initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing patient flow, and ensuring the seamless delivery of healthcare services. Whitfield's responsibilities include managing hospital operations, clinical support services, and facility management to support UNC Health's commitment to patient care and its teaching mission. The Chief Operating Officer drives process improvements and implements best practices to enhance productivity and resource utilization throughout the organization. Howard Whitfield's leadership ensures that UNC Health's operational infrastructure effectively supports its strategic goals and its mission to serve the people of North Carolina. This role is critical for maintaining high standards of care delivery.
    Howard Whitfield

    Todd Peterson - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Peterson, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, directs the comprehensive operational strategy and execution for the entire health system. This senior leadership position involves overseeing a vast network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized care centers, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of patient services. Peterson drives initiatives to enhance operational performance, improve patient experience, and support the clinical and research missions of UNC Health. The Chief Operating Officer is instrumental in managing complex logistical challenges, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all facilities. Todd Peterson's strategic oversight ensures that UNC Health maintains its position as a leading provider of integrated healthcare services. This role is fundamental to the organization's operational success and its commitment to advancing health in North Carolina.

    Michelle Langford - Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Organizational Effectiveness

    Michelle Langford, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Organizational Effectiveness at UNC Health, focuses on enhancing operational performance and driving strategic initiatives for improved organizational efficiency. This executive works closely with the Chief Operating Officers to implement process improvements, optimize workflows, and ensure the effective functioning of clinical and administrative departments. Langford's responsibilities include leading change management efforts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and supporting the integration of new technologies and methodologies across the health system. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer plays a crucial role in aligning operational strategies with UNC Health's overarching mission of providing exceptional patient care and advancing medical education and research. Michelle Langford's expertise in organizational effectiveness is vital for maximizing the impact of UNC Health's operations.

    Stephen Rinaldi - Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

    Stephen Rinaldi, the Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at UNC Health, leads strategies to optimize revenue generation and financial performance across the health system. This executive directs the revenue cycle management, payer relations, and business development efforts to ensure sustainable financial growth. Rinaldi focuses on maximizing reimbursement, enhancing patient access to services, and identifying new opportunities for revenue enhancement in alignment with UNC Health's mission. The Chief Revenue Officer collaborates with clinical and operational leaders to streamline billing processes and improve overall financial outcomes. Stephen Rinaldi's expertise is crucial for navigating the complex healthcare financial landscape and ensuring the organization's ability to invest in advanced patient care and research. This leadership drives financial vitality for UNC Health.

    Douglas Harrison - Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Douglas Harrison, the Vice President, Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer at UNC Health, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives for the organization. This executive is responsible for talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and organizational development to support UNC Health's mission and its workforce of dedicated professionals. Harrison oversees the creation and implementation of HR policies and programs designed to foster a positive and productive work environment, ensuring compliance and promoting employee well-being. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key role in talent management, leadership development, and cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture across all UNC Health entities. Douglas Harrison's strategic HR leadership is vital for attracting and retaining top talent, essential for delivering exceptional patient care and advancing medical innovation.

    Johnnie Baba - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Johnnie Baba, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at UNC Health, directs the organization's technology strategy, infrastructure, and innovation initiatives. This executive oversees the implementation and management of advanced IT systems, electronic health records, and digital health solutions to support patient care, research, and administrative functions. Baba is responsible for ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of UNC Health's technology platforms, driving digital transformation across the system. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with clinical and operational leaders to leverage technology for improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and enhanced research capabilities. Johnnie Baba's technological vision and execution are critical for maintaining UNC Health's competitive edge and its commitment to providing cutting-edge healthcare services. This leadership ensures robust technological support for all organizational endeavors.
    Johnnie Baba

    Brent Lamm - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Brent Lamm, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at UNC Health, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology across the health system. This executive oversees all aspects of IT infrastructure, data management, cybersecurity, and digital health solutions, ensuring robust and secure technological operations. Lamm is responsible for aligning IT strategy with UNC Health's clinical, research, and educational objectives, driving innovation to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The Chief Information Officer plays a pivotal role in managing the organization's digital transformation, ensuring seamless integration of systems and data to support decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Brent Lamm's leadership ensures UNC Health remains at the forefront of healthcare technology, supporting its mission to provide advanced medical services.
    Brent Lamm

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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 Gregory Jones (Chief Financial 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), Gregory Jones (Chief Financial 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, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.