UNC Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

UNC Health has 10 executives leading key functions including medical strategy, operational oversight, financial management, and clinical research.

Committed to advancing medical education and patient care, UNC Health delivers state-of-the-art health services across North Carolina through an integrated network of hospitals and research institutions.

Leadership Roles at UNC Health

  • Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer - Fletcher Pierce
  • Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Jones
  • President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill - Christopher Ellington
  • Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East) - Ben Mathew
  • Chief Operating Officer - Robb Malone
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Jeffery Lindsay
  • Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's - Bays Coppedge
  • Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee - Sandra Tolson
  • Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Operations, Unc Clinical Research Partners - Elizabeth Ragan
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - John Baba
  • Fletcher Pierce - Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer

    Fletcher Pierce, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer at UNC Health, directs the overarching clinical and administrative strategy for the entire state-wide system. Overseeing the integration of multiple regional medical centers, the Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that patient care standards remain consistent with the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align research initiatives with hospital operations. By optimizing resource allocation across the diverse network, Fletcher Pierce maintains the high clinical rankings of the system. The Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term growth by fostering partnerships between the School of Medicine and community hospitals. Through this comprehensive approach, the executive secures the future of academic medicine while expanding access to advanced healthcare services throughout North Carolina.

    Gregory Jones - Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Jones, the Chief Financial Officer at UNC Health, governs the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the entire medical system. Overseeing capital investments and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources support the expansion of clinical services and research infrastructure. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams from diverse regional hospitals to maintain a balanced portfolio. By implementing robust financial controls, Gregory Jones mitigates risk and optimizes the allocation of funds toward high-impact medical technologies. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with executive leadership to secure the necessary capital for facility upgrades and new service lines. Through strategic financial modeling, the executive enables the system to fulfill the teaching mission while remaining competitive in the healthcare market. Jones maintains fiscal transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar invested directly contributes to the improvement of patient outcomes across the state.

    Christopher Ellington - President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill

    Christopher Ellington, the President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill at UNC Health, manages the financial and operational performance of the flagship medical center in Chapel Hill. Overseeing the network hospital portfolio, the President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill drives the integration of clinical services across the state. This role involves balancing the complex financial requirements of a major research hospital with the operational needs of community-based facilities. By aligning fiscal strategies with clinical goals, Christopher Ellington ensures that the system remains a leader in medical innovation. The President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill coordinates with regional leaders to standardize care delivery. Through this dual focus on finance and network operations, the executive strengthens the overall impact of the health system.
    Christopher Ellington

    Ben Mathew - Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East)

    Ben Mathew, the Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East) at UNC Health, manages the financial operations for the Rex Healthcare division and the broader Triangle region. Overseeing budgetary compliance and revenue cycle management, the Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East) ensures that these specific facilities maintain fiscal stability. This role involves analyzing regional market trends to optimize financial performance. By implementing cost-effective strategies, Ben Mathew supports the delivery of high-quality care in the eastern part of the state. The Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East) collaborates with regional leadership to align financial goals with clinical objectives. Through this focused financial oversight, the executive contributes to the overall success of the health system. Mathew ensures that resources are utilized efficiently, enabling the continued growth and excellence of the healthcare services provided in the Triangle region.

    Robb Malone - Chief Operating Officer

    Robb Malone, the Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, manages the daily operational efficiency of the integrated health system. Focusing on the synchronization of hospital workflows, the Chief Operating Officer implements standardized protocols that enhance patient throughput and service quality across all regional facilities. This role requires constant coordination with department heads to ensure that clinical resources meet the demands of the growing patient population. By streamlining administrative processes, Robb Malone reduces operational friction and improves the overall delivery of care. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement within the provider network. Through rigorous oversight of facility management and supply chain logistics, the executive supports the broader mission of providing state-of-the-art medical care. Malone ensures that every hospital within the system operates at peak capacity while maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality benchmarks.

    Jeffery Lindsay - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Jeffery Lindsay, the President & Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health, directs the tactical execution of clinical services and hospital operations. Overseeing the performance of regional medical centers, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational strategies translate into high-quality patient care. This role involves managing the day-to-day activities of the hospital network to maintain efficiency and safety. By implementing process improvements, Jeffery Lindsay enhances the patient experience across all facilities. The President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to address operational challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Through rigorous oversight of clinical departments, the executive supports the system's mission of providing state-of-the-art care. Lindsay drives the standardization of medical practices, ensuring that every patient receives consistent, high-quality treatment. The executive maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the health system remains a leader in the competitive healthcare landscape of North Carolina.
    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 strategic planning initiatives specifically focused on pediatric care and system-wide organizational alignment. Overseeing the development of specialized children's health services, the Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's ensures that clinical programs meet the unique needs of pediatric patients across the network. This role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and clinical departments to streamline decision-making processes. By architecting long-term growth plans for pediatric facilities, Bays Coppedge expands the reach of specialized care. The Chief of Staff & Director, System of Planning, Unc Children's monitors project timelines and resource distribution to ensure that strategic goals remain on track. Through this leadership, the executive fosters a collaborative environment that supports the mission of providing advanced medical care to children throughout the state of North Carolina.

    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, architects the digital infrastructure and data security protocols for the health system. Overseeing the implementation of advanced health information systems, the Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee ensures that clinical data remains accessible and secure across all regional locations. This role involves managing the integration of electronic health records to improve patient care coordination. By modernizing the technological framework, Sandra Tolson enhances the efficiency of medical staff and administrative teams. The Director, Unc Health Care Information Technology & Chief Information Officer, Pardee collaborates with other executives to align IT investments with the broader clinical mission. Through the deployment of innovative software solutions, the executive supports the delivery of state-of-the-art care. Tolson maintains the integrity of the digital network, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for improved patient outcomes.

    Elizabeth Ragan - Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Operations, Unc Clinical Research Partners

    Elizabeth Ragan, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Operations, Unc Clinical Research Partners at UNC Health, manages the operational framework for clinical research initiatives. Overseeing the administrative functions of research partnerships, the Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Operations, Unc Clinical Research Partners ensures that clinical trials and studies align with the system's academic mission. This role involves coordinating between research teams and hospital leadership to facilitate the translation of medical discoveries into patient care. By optimizing operational workflows, Elizabeth Ragan accelerates the pace of clinical research. The Chief of Staff & Senior Director, Operations, Unc Clinical Research Partners monitors project compliance and resource allocation to maintain high standards of research excellence. Through this leadership, the executive supports the growth of the UNC School of Medicine. Ragan ensures that research operations remain efficient, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and directly benefits the patients served by the network.

    John Baba - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    John Baba, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at UNC Health, leads the development and maintenance of the system's technological capabilities. Overseeing the deployment of advanced medical hardware and software, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that the network remains at the forefront of digital healthcare. This role involves evaluating emerging technologies to determine their potential impact on patient care and operational efficiency. By architecting scalable IT solutions, John Baba supports the complex needs of the various hospitals within the system. The Vice President & Chief Technology Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to integrate new tools into existing workflows. Through this strategic focus, the executive enhances the ability of medical staff to provide precise and timely care. Baba ensures that the technological infrastructure remains robust and secure, protecting sensitive patient data while enabling seamless communication across the entire UNC Health network.
    John 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 Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Jones (Chief Financial Officer) and Christopher Ellington (President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill).
    Who is part of UNC Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of UNC Health includes leaders such as Fletcher Pierce (Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Jones (Chief Financial Officer), Christopher Ellington (President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill) 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 Group Unc Health Medical President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Unc Health Care & Executive VP, Network Hospitals & Chief Financial Officer, Unc Hospitals At Chapel Hill, Chief Financial Officer, Unc Rex Healthcare & Chief Financial Officer, Triangle Region (East), Chief Operating Officer.