UofL Health Executive and Leadership Team

Kirk Strack, the Chief Financial Officer at UofL Health, directs the fiscal strategy for the entire academic health system. Managing capital allocation across nine hospitals and over 250 physician practice locations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures long-term economic sustainability. Strack oversees revenue cycle management, budgeting, and financial reporting to support the expansion of trauma, cardiac, and oncology services. By optimizing resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial health necessary for clinical research and technology development. Kirk Strack collaborates with the Board to align fiscal priorities with the mission of providing high-quality patient care throughout the regional network. Through rigorous oversight of operational expenditures, Strack secures the capital required for facility upgrades and medical education initiatives, ultimately strengthening the market position of the organization within the competitive healthcare landscape of Kentucky and southern Indiana.

Keith Rankin, the President, Behavioral Health at UofL Health, directs the expansion and management of mental health services within the academic health system. Overseeing the integration of behavioral health programs across the hospital network and specialty facilities, the President, Behavioral Health ensures comprehensive care for patients with diverse mental health needs. Rankin drives the development of new treatment modalities and community-based support systems to address regional health challenges. Keith Rankin coordinates with clinical departments to provide holistic care, linking behavioral health services with trauma and medical treatment. By focusing on accessibility and quality of care, the President, Behavioral Health improves patient outcomes and supports the overall mission of the organization. Rankin collaborates with academic partners to advance research in behavioral health, ensuring the system remains a leader in providing specialized mental health services throughout the region.

Martin Kaelin, the Assistant VP & Chief Technology Officer at UofL Health, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the academic health system. Focusing on the integration of advanced medical technology across specialty facilities like the Brown Cancer Center, the Chief Technology Officer drives innovation in clinical data systems. Kaelin manages the deployment of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and research platforms to enhance patient outcomes. Martin Kaelin coordinates with clinical leadership to ensure technology solutions meet the complex demands of trauma and transplant services. By modernizing the digital backbone of the organization, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless data exchange between the 250 physician practice locations and the central hospital network. Kaelin prioritizes cybersecurity and system scalability to protect patient information while enabling the rapid adoption of new medical advancements, ensuring the system remains at the forefront of regional healthcare technology.

Deborah Mullins, the Senior VP & Chief Information Officer at UofL Health, governs the enterprise-wide information systems and data governance frameworks. Overseeing the electronic health record platforms and data analytics capabilities, the Chief Information Officer ensures clinical teams possess accurate, real-time information for patient care. Mullins drives the digital transformation strategy, aligning information technology with the operational needs of the nine hospitals and various medical centers. Deborah Mullins manages the complex data requirements of the University of Louisville School of Medicine affiliation, supporting clinical research and medical education through robust data management. By streamlining information flow across the regional network, the Chief Information Officer improves operational efficiency and patient safety. Mullins collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement data-driven decision-making processes, ensuring the organization leverages its vast clinical data to enhance service delivery and maintain high standards of care across all facilities.

Frank Austin, the Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief Marketing Officer at UofL Health, architects the brand identity and public engagement strategy for the academic health system. Managing outreach initiatives across Louisville and surrounding counties, the Chief Marketing Officer drives awareness of specialty services including orthopedics, neurosciences, and the Eye Institute. Austin develops communication campaigns that highlight the unique value of the academic affiliation, connecting patients with expert care. Frank Austin oversees internal and external messaging to ensure alignment with the mission of the organization. By analyzing market trends and patient demographics, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes outreach efforts to increase service utilization. Austin collaborates with clinical leadership to promote new medical programs and research breakthroughs, effectively positioning the system as the premier provider of comprehensive healthcare in the region while fostering strong community relationships and trust.

Peter Diakov, the Chief Legal Officer at UofL Health, directs the legal and regulatory affairs for the integrated academic health system. Managing compliance across nine hospitals and extensive physician practice networks, the Chief Legal Officer ensures adherence to healthcare laws and ethical standards. Diakov oversees contract negotiations, risk management, and governance policies to protect the interests of the organization. Peter Diakov provides critical counsel on matters involving clinical research, medical education, and academic affiliations. By navigating the complex regulatory environment of the healthcare industry, the Chief Legal Officer mitigates operational risks and supports the strategic objectives of the system. Diakov works closely with the Board and executive leadership to maintain institutional integrity while facilitating growth. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the reputation and operational continuity of the organization, ensuring all clinical and administrative activities align with legal requirements.

Kenneth Marshall, the Chief Administrative Officer (UofL Hospitals) & Chief Operations Officer at UofL Health, executes the operational strategy for the hospital network. Overseeing the daily functions of the nine hospitals and medical centers, the Chief Operations Officer drives efficiency in patient throughput and service delivery. Marshall manages the coordination of trauma, cardiac, and surgical departments to ensure high-quality care across the regional footprint. Kenneth Marshall optimizes staffing models and facility utilization to meet the demands of the patient population in Louisville and southern Indiana. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Operations Officer supports the clinical teams in delivering comprehensive medical services. Marshall collaborates with other executives to implement performance improvement initiatives, ensuring the system maintains operational excellence. Through rigorous oversight of hospital functions, the Chief Operations Officer sustains the high standards of care expected from an academic health system.

Laura Atkinson, the Senior VP & Chief People Officer at UofL Health, directs the human capital strategy for the academic health system. Managing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and workforce development, the Chief People Officer ensures the organization attracts and retains top-tier medical and administrative professionals. Atkinson oversees the culture-building initiatives that support the mission of providing comprehensive patient care. Laura Atkinson coordinates with department heads to align staffing levels with the operational needs of the nine hospitals and 250 physician practice locations. By implementing robust training and development programs, the Chief People Officer fosters a high-performance environment that supports clinical research and medical education. Atkinson collaborates with leadership to address workforce challenges, ensuring the system maintains a skilled and motivated team capable of delivering exceptional healthcare services across the regional network.