UW Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UW Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and clinical services.

Dedicated to advancing health through education, research, and patient care, UW Medicine shapes the future of medicine by fostering innovation and delivering exceptional healthcare services globally.

Leadership Roles at UW Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Wendy Tinker
  • MD Chief Executive Officer - Robert Ireton
  • Chief Operating Officer, IT Services - Kristal Mauritz-Miller
  • Chief of Staff - Christy Gullion
  • Chief Information Officer - Eric Neil
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Kjel Hanson
  • Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer - Laurie Rodriguez
  • MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff - Alan Artru
  • Chief People Officer - Kei Takamura
  • Chief Medical Officer - David Zonies
  • Wendy Tinker - Chief Executive Officer

    Wendy Tinker, the Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, directs the overarching strategy and operational framework for the entire academic healthcare system. Overseeing all major divisions, Tinker ensures alignment with the core mission of education, research, and patient care. This leadership role involves driving institutional growth and maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence across all facilities. By fostering collaboration among departments, Wendy Tinker enhances the system's capacity to address complex health challenges and deliver world-class medical services. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on long-term sustainability and expanding the reach of UW Medicine's groundbreaking work.

    Robert Ireton - MD Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Ireton, the MD Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, spearheads the clinical and research initiatives that define the institution's academic mission. Directing the integration of cutting-edge research with patient treatment protocols, Ireton ensures that medical advancements translate into tangible patient benefits. This critical role involves guiding the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools, fostering an environment of continuous learning and discovery. By championing innovative medical practices, Robert Ireton strengthens UW Medicine's position as a leader in biomedical research and advanced patient care. The MD Chief Executive Officer's efforts are central to advancing medical knowledge and improving global health outcomes.

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller - Chief Operating Officer, IT Services

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller, the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services at UW Medicine, manages the day-to-day operations and service delivery for the institution's information technology functions. Overseeing IT support, infrastructure management, and service desk operations, Mauritz-Miller ensures the reliable and efficient functioning of all technology systems critical to UW Medicine's mission. This leadership role involves optimizing IT service delivery, enhancing user support, and implementing best practices to improve operational performance. By focusing on service excellence, Kristal Mauritz-Miller directly supports the seamless integration of technology into patient care, research, and educational activities. The Chief Operating Officer, IT Services ensures robust technological support for the entire organization.
    Kristal Mauritz-Miller

    Christy Gullion - Chief of Staff

    Christy Gullion, the Chief of Staff at UW Medicine, manages strategic projects and operational efficiencies across the executive leadership team. Coordinating key initiatives and ensuring seamless communication between departments, Gullion facilitates the execution of the organization's strategic objectives. This position involves advising senior leadership on critical matters and driving cross-functional alignment to achieve institutional goals. By optimizing internal processes and supporting executive decision-making, Christy Gullion enhances the overall effectiveness of UW Medicine's operations. The Chief of Staff's role is pivotal in translating high-level strategy into actionable plans that advance the mission of education, research, and patient care.

    Eric Neil - Chief Information Officer

    Eric Neil, the Chief Information Officer at UW Medicine, architects and oversees the institution's comprehensive technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Directing the implementation of advanced IT solutions, Neil ensures robust data security, system reliability, and efficient information flow across all clinical and research operations. This leadership position involves driving innovation in health informatics and leveraging technology to enhance patient care delivery and research capabilities. By championing digital transformation, Eric Neil supports UW Medicine's mission to provide cutting-edge medical services and advance scientific discovery. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is crucial for maintaining a technologically advanced and secure healthcare environment.

    Kjel Hanson - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Kjel Hanson, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, supports the strategic direction and execution of the organization's technology roadmap. Collaborating closely with the Chief Information Officer, Hanson focuses on implementing and managing critical technology systems that underpin UW Medicine's research, education, and patient care functions. This role involves overseeing the deployment of new technologies and ensuring the scalability and resilience of the IT infrastructure. By driving technological advancements, Kjel Hanson contributes to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the delivery of advanced medical services. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer plays a key part in maintaining a state-of-the-art technological foundation for the healthcare system.

    Laurie Rodriguez - Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer

    Laurie Rodriguez, the Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, bridges the critical intersection of financial management for clinical research and technological innovation. Directing the financial oversight of research projects while also guiding technology strategy, Rodriguez ensures that research endeavors are both fiscally sound and technologically advanced. This dual role involves optimizing budget allocation for research studies and implementing cutting-edge technological solutions to support scientific inquiry. By managing research budgets and driving technology adoption, Laurie Rodriguez enhances the efficiency and impact of UW Medicine's comprehensive biomedical research programs. The Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer's expertise is vital for advancing medical discovery.

    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, leads the anesthesiology department and contributes significantly to medical leadership and operational oversight. Directing clinical practice, academic pursuits, and departmental administration, Artru ensures the highest standards of patient care and safety within anesthesiology. This multifaceted role involves advancing the field through research and education, while also contributing to the broader medical directorate and hospital administration. By integrating clinical expertise with leadership responsibilities, Alan Artru enhances the quality of care and operational effectiveness across UW Medicine. The extensive experience of the MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff is invaluable to the institution.

    Kei Takamura - Chief People Officer

    Kei Takamura, the Chief People Officer at UW Medicine, directs the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives across the organization. Overseeing recruitment, employee development, and organizational culture, Takamura fosters an environment that attracts and retains top talent essential for UW Medicine's mission. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive strategies to support a diverse and engaged workforce, ensuring alignment with the institution's goals in education, research, and patient care. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Kei Takamura strengthens the human capital that drives UW Medicine's success. The Chief People Officer's focus on people is fundamental to the system's continued advancement and operational excellence.
    Kei Takamura

    David Zonies - Chief Medical Officer

    David Zonies, the Chief Medical Officer at UW Medicine, oversees the clinical quality, patient safety, and medical affairs of the entire healthcare system. Directing the implementation of evidence-based medical practices and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, Zonies champions initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency. This critical role involves leading medical staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and guiding the strategic direction of clinical services. By focusing on excellence in patient care, David Zonies plays a pivotal role in maintaining UW Medicine's reputation for delivering advanced and compassionate healthcare. The Chief Medical Officer's leadership is essential for upholding the highest standards of medical practice.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding UW Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads UW Medicine?
    UW Medicine is led by Wendy Tinker (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 Wendy Tinker (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.