UW Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

UW Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic oversight, clinical operations, research administration, and information technology.

Committed to advancing medical education and biomedical research, UW Medicine delivers world-class patient care while training the next generation of healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes across the globe.

Leadership Roles at UW Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Timothy Dellitis
  • MD Chief Executive Officer - Robert Ireton
  • Chief Operating Officer, IT Services - Kristal Mauritz-Miller
  • Chief of Staff - Margaret Peyton
  • Chief Information Officer - Eric Neil
  • MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff - Alan Artru
  • Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer - Laurie Rodriguez
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Kjel Hanson
  • Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Operations - Christine Kessler
  • Chief People Officer - Kei Takamura
  • Timothy Dellitis - Chief Executive Officer

    Timothy Dellitis, the Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, directs the overarching strategic vision for this academic healthcare system. Dellitis manages the integration of clinical care, research initiatives, and educational programs to ensure operational excellence across all facilities. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of advancing biomedical science, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and patient-centered excellence. Timothy Dellitis maintains rigorous standards for fiscal health and organizational growth, ensuring the system remains a leader in the competitive healthcare landscape. Through collaboration with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that expand the reach of medical services to diverse patient populations. This leadership role requires constant adaptation to evolving healthcare regulations and technological advancements. Ultimately, Dellitis secures the long-term sustainability of the institution while promoting high-quality care standards throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

    Robert Ireton - MD Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Ireton, the MD Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, oversees the clinical governance and medical quality standards across the entire health system. Ireton focuses on the intersection of physician practice and administrative efficiency, ensuring that clinical workflows support optimal patient outcomes. As the MD Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ireton bridges the gap between complex medical research and practical bedside application, facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into standard care protocols. The MD Chief Executive Officer coordinates with medical directors to standardize treatment pathways and improve safety metrics across all hospital units. By prioritizing evidence-based medicine, Ireton strengthens the reputation of the system as a premier academic destination. This role involves managing the professional development of medical staff and ensuring alignment with institutional research goals. Through meticulous oversight of clinical operations, Ireton maintains the high standards of excellence expected from a top-tier academic healthcare provider.

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller - Chief Operating Officer, IT Services

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller, the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services at UW Medicine, manages the operational delivery of information technology solutions across the health system. Mauritz-Miller focuses on the day-to-day performance of IT infrastructure, ensuring that clinical and administrative systems remain reliable and efficient. As the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services, Kristal Mauritz-Miller oversees the service desk, network operations, and hardware deployment strategies that support the daily work of thousands of healthcare providers. This role involves optimizing IT workflows to reduce downtime and improve the user experience for medical staff. By aligning IT service delivery with the clinical needs of the organization, the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services ensures that technology acts as an enabler for high-quality patient care. Mauritz-Miller monitors performance metrics and implements process improvements to enhance the overall agility of the IT department. Through disciplined operational management, the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services supports the technological foundation of the entire healthcare system.
    Kristal Mauritz-Miller

    Margaret Peyton - Chief of Staff

    Margaret Peyton, the Chief of Staff at UW Medicine, manages the executive office operations and facilitates communication between senior leadership and the broader organization. Peyton coordinates high-level projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring that strategic priorities receive the necessary resources and attention. As the Chief of Staff, Margaret Peyton streamlines decision-making processes and optimizes the flow of information to the executive team. This role involves managing complex schedules, preparing critical briefings, and overseeing administrative initiatives that support the mission of the healthcare system. By maintaining clear lines of communication, the Chief of Staff ensures that all operational units remain aligned with the core objectives of the institution. Peyton monitors the progress of key initiatives and provides actionable insights to the leadership team to drive efficiency. Through proactive management and strategic planning, the Chief of Staff supports the overall effectiveness of the executive office in achieving long-term organizational goals.

    Eric Neil - Chief Information Officer

    Eric Neil, the Chief Information Officer at UW Medicine, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support advanced clinical care and biomedical research. Neil oversees the implementation of electronic health records, cybersecurity protocols, and data analytics platforms that drive operational efficiency. As the Chief Information Officer, Eric Neil ensures that the technological framework remains scalable and secure, protecting sensitive patient information while enabling seamless access for medical professionals. This role involves collaborating with clinical leaders to integrate new digital tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient engagement. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Information Officer optimizes resource allocation and supports the research mission of the institution. Neil manages large-scale IT projects that modernize the digital landscape of the healthcare system. Through strategic investment in emerging technologies, the Chief Information Officer maintains the competitive edge of the organization in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

    Alan Artru - MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff

    Alan Artru, the MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff at UW Medicine, directs the clinical and academic activities within the anesthesiology department. Artru oversees surgical support services, ensuring that patient safety and anesthesia protocols meet the highest standards of care. As the MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff, Alan Artru balances the demands of clinical practice with the responsibilities of medical education and research. This role involves mentoring residents, conducting clinical studies, and managing the operational logistics of the operating rooms. By integrating academic rigor into daily clinical practice, the Chief of Staff ensures that the department remains at the forefront of pain management and surgical support. Artru coordinates with other medical directors to optimize surgical throughput and improve patient recovery times. Through this multifaceted leadership position, the Chief of Staff drives excellence in both patient care and medical training.

    Laurie Rodriguez - Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer

    Laurie Rodriguez, the Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, manages the financial and technological aspects of the institution's extensive research portfolio. Rodriguez oversees the budgeting process for clinical trials, ensuring that research projects remain financially viable and compliant with regulatory requirements. As the Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer, Laurie Rodriguez also directs the adoption of specialized research software and data management tools that facilitate complex biomedical studies. This role involves bridging the gap between financial planning and technological implementation to support the research mission of the healthcare system. By optimizing budget allocation and leveraging advanced research technology, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that scientists have the resources necessary to conduct groundbreaking work. Rodriguez collaborates with principal investigators to streamline the administrative burden of research, allowing for faster discovery and innovation. Through this dual focus, the Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer drives the financial and technical success of the research enterprise.

    Kjel Hanson - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Kjel Hanson, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, supports the development and execution of the organization's long-term technology strategy. Hanson focuses on the implementation of emerging digital solutions that enhance clinical workflows and administrative productivity. As the Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Kjel Hanson manages specific technical initiatives, including cloud migration projects and the integration of new diagnostic software. This role involves working closely with the Chief Technology Officer to ensure that the technological roadmap aligns with the broader goals of the healthcare system. By identifying opportunities for innovation, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer helps the organization stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a robust digital infrastructure. Hanson oversees the technical teams responsible for system maintenance and upgrades, ensuring that all platforms remain secure and performant. Through diligent project management and technical expertise, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer contributes to the overall digital transformation of the healthcare system.

    Christine Kessler - Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Operations

    Christine Kessler, the Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Operations at UW Medicine, manages the administrative and strategic functions of the clinical affairs division. Kessler coordinates the activities of the Executive Vice Dean, ensuring that clinical operations remain aligned with the academic and research goals of the institution. As the Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Operations, Christine Kessler facilitates communication between clinical leadership and the broader health system. This role involves overseeing complex projects related to clinical expansion, quality improvement, and operational efficiency. By managing the priorities of the Executive Vice Dean, the Chief of Staff ensures that clinical affairs receive the necessary focus to drive growth and excellence. Kessler monitors operational performance and provides strategic support to ensure that clinical departments meet their targets. Through effective coordination and administrative leadership, the Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice Dean, Clinical Affairs and Operations supports the overall success of the clinical enterprise.

    Kei Takamura - Chief People Officer

    Kei Takamura, the Chief People Officer at UW Medicine, directs the human resources strategy for the entire healthcare system. Takamura oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives designed to attract and retain top-tier medical and administrative professionals. As the Chief People Officer, Kei Takamura focuses on building a workforce that is capable of delivering high-quality care while supporting the research and educational missions of the institution. This role involves implementing performance management systems, fostering diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that all staff members have access to professional growth opportunities. By prioritizing employee engagement and well-being, the Chief People Officer creates a supportive environment that enhances the overall performance of the healthcare system. Takamura manages labor relations and ensures compliance with employment regulations across all facilities. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization has the human capital necessary to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry.
    Kei Takamura

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UW Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UW Medicine?
    UW Medicine is led by Timothy Dellitis (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Ireton (MD Chief Executive Officer) and Kristal Mauritz-Miller (Chief Operating Officer, IT Services).
    Who is part of UW Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of UW Medicine includes leaders such as Timothy Dellitis (Chief Executive Officer), Robert Ireton (MD Chief Executive Officer), Kristal Mauritz-Miller (Chief Operating Officer, IT Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does UW Medicine have?
    UW Medicine has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in UW Medicine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of UW Medicine includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, MD Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, IT Services, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer.