Upstate Medical University Executive and Leadership Team

Niquell Walker, the Chief Executive Officer at Upstate Medical University, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic medical center. Walker manages the alignment of clinical services with educational mandates to ensure high-quality patient care across Central New York. By overseeing the integration of biomedical research into daily hospital operations, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of continuous medical innovation. Niquell Walker coordinates with the board to secure financial stability while expanding the reach of trauma and emergency services. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes to maintain excellence in medical training. Through the implementation of data-driven health initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer strengthens the institution's market position. Ultimately, Walker drives the mission of improving community health outcomes through sustainable growth and collaborative partnerships with regional healthcare providers.

Ben Moore, the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President at Upstate Medical University, governs the administrative framework supporting both the teaching hospital and the university. Moore executes high-level operational policies that bridge the gap between academic research and clinical delivery. As the Admin and Chief Executive Officer and President, Ben Moore ensures that institutional resources support the diverse needs of transfer and graduate students pursuing medical careers. This role involves managing complex organizational structures to optimize efficiency across all hospital departments. By prioritizing the development of future scientific innovators, the executive maintains the university's reputation as a premier academic medical center. Moore oversees the expansion of community outreach programs to better serve the population of Central New York. Through rigorous administrative oversight, the executive secures the long-term viability of the institution's multifaceted mission.

Kim Hanifin, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Upstate Medical University, manages the executive workflow and strategic communications for the leadership team. Hanifin facilitates the execution of corporate initiatives by coordinating between various departments and the executive office. Within the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Kim Hanifin ensures that institutional priorities remain aligned with the broader goals of patient care and medical education. This role involves synthesizing complex information to support decision-making processes regarding hospital operations and research funding. By streamlining internal processes, the executive enhances the overall effectiveness of the leadership team. Hanifin monitors the progress of key projects that impact the university's standing in the regional healthcare market. Through meticulous attention to organizational detail, the executive supports the successful delivery of clinical services and academic programs across the entire Upstate network.

Marylin Galimi, the Chief Operating Officer at Upstate Medical University, directs the daily operational activities of the hospital and clinical services. Galimi manages the logistics of patient care delivery to ensure that emergency and trauma services meet the highest standards of efficiency. As the Chief Operating Officer, Marylin Galimi oversees the allocation of physical and human resources across the university's various medical facilities. This role involves streamlining clinical workflows to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes throughout Central New York. By monitoring operational metrics, the executive identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. Galimi collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align operational capacity with the university's educational and research goals. Through the effective management of hospital infrastructure, the executive supports the institution's mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to the community.

Juliann Axton, the Chief of Staff at Upstate Medical University, directs the internal operations and strategic planning efforts for the executive office. Axton coordinates cross-functional initiatives that integrate clinical services with the university's educational mission. As the Chief of Staff, Juliann Axton serves as a primary liaison between the leadership team and the broader medical staff to ensure operational cohesion. This role involves managing high-priority projects that address the evolving needs of patients and students in Central New York. By optimizing communication channels, the executive improves the speed and accuracy of institutional decision-making. Axton oversees the implementation of policies designed to enhance the quality of trauma and emergency care. Through strategic resource allocation, the executive supports the university's commitment to biomedical research and community health. Ultimately, Axton drives the operational success of the institution by maintaining alignment across all departments.

Teresa Wagner, the Chief Information Officer at Upstate Medical University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern medical education and patient care. Wagner oversees the implementation of advanced health information systems that support clinical decision-making and biomedical research. As the Chief Information Officer, Teresa Wagner ensures the security and integrity of patient data across all hospital facilities in Central New York. This role involves deploying innovative technology solutions to improve the efficiency of emergency and trauma care services. By integrating digital platforms with academic workflows, the executive facilitates seamless collaboration between researchers and clinicians. Wagner manages the technological roadmap to support the university's growth and commitment to scientific innovation. Through the modernization of IT systems, the executive enhances the overall patient experience and operational performance. Ultimately, Wagner secures the digital foundation required for the institution to maintain its status as a leading academic medical center.

Heather Flaherty, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer and Office Manager at Upstate Medical University, coordinates the administrative functions of the human resources department. Flaherty manages the scheduling and documentation processes that support the recruitment and retention of medical professionals. As the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer and Office Manager, Heather Flaherty ensures that the office environment remains conducive to high-level strategic planning. This role involves facilitating communication between HR leadership and the broader staff to maintain organizational alignment. By overseeing office operations, the executive supports the efficient delivery of services that impact the university's workforce. Flaherty monitors compliance with institutional policies to ensure a productive and safe workplace. Through the management of administrative workflows, the executive contributes to the overall success of the human resources function in supporting the university's mission of medical excellence.

Seth Charatz, the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services at Upstate Medical University, directs the clinical strategy for outpatient care across the region. Charatz oversees the quality of medical services provided in ambulatory settings to ensure consistent patient outcomes. As the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Ambulatory Services, Seth Charatz integrates evidence-based practices into the daily operations of outpatient clinics. This role involves managing the performance of medical teams to improve access to care for communities throughout Central New York. By collaborating with other clinical leaders, the executive ensures that ambulatory services align with the university's broader research and educational objectives. Charatz monitors clinical metrics to drive improvements in patient satisfaction and safety. Through the strategic development of outpatient programs, the executive expands the reach of the university's medical expertise and supports the overall health of the population.

Christopher Tanski, the Associate Chief Medical Officer at Upstate Medical University, manages the clinical standards and medical governance within the hospital system. Tanski oversees the implementation of safety protocols and quality improvement initiatives that impact trauma and emergency care. As the Associate Chief Medical Officer, Christopher Tanski ensures that clinical practices remain at the forefront of medical science through continuous evaluation and training. This role involves working closely with the medical staff to foster a culture of excellence and patient-centered care. By analyzing clinical data, the executive identifies trends that inform the development of new treatment pathways. Tanski coordinates with other leadership to ensure that medical services support the university's educational mission for students and residents. Through rigorous oversight of clinical performance, the executive maintains the high standards of care expected at this academic medical center.

Elena Schmidt, the M. D. at Upstate Medical University, provides specialized medical expertise that informs the clinical and research direction of the institution. Schmidt conducts advanced patient care while contributing to the biomedical research initiatives that define the university's academic impact. As the M. D., Elena Schmidt mentors medical students and residents, ensuring the transfer of critical knowledge to future scientific innovators. This role involves participating in multidisciplinary teams to address complex health challenges within the Central New York community. By integrating clinical practice with academic inquiry, the executive advances the university's mission of improving health outcomes. Schmidt monitors the effectiveness of current medical treatments and advocates for the adoption of innovative therapies. Through the application of deep medical knowledge, the executive supports the institution's reputation for excellence in both patient care and medical education.