UW Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

UW Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, medical research, and human resources.

Committed to advancing academic healthcare, UW Medicine integrates biomedical research with patient care to improve health outcomes for diverse populations across the globe through innovative medical education and clinical excellence.

Leadership Roles at UW Medicine

  • Chief Executive Officer - Wendy Tinker
  • MD Chief Executive Officer - Robert Ireton
  • President - Hunter Wessells
  • President - April Munoz-Adcock
  • President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs - Bradley Simmons
  • Chief of Staff - Christy Gullion
  • MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff - Alan Artru
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Kjel Hanson
  • 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 strategic vision for this academic healthcare system. Tinker manages the integration of complex clinical services with research initiatives to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. By aligning departmental goals with the broader mission of medical education, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation across all facilities. Wendy Tinker maintains rigorous oversight of operational efficiency, ensuring that resources support the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to address systemic challenges and expand the reach of specialized care. Through the implementation of advanced clinical protocols, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth. Ultimately, Tinker secures the long-term viability of the organization by prioritizing patient-centered care and academic excellence in every facet of the system.

    Robert Ireton - MD Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Ireton, the MD Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, architects the clinical governance framework that supports the system's extensive biomedical research programs. Ireton focuses on the translation of scientific discoveries into practical patient care solutions, ensuring that medical advancements reach the bedside efficiently. The MD Chief Executive Officer coordinates with clinical department heads to standardize care delivery across the regional network. Robert Ireton monitors the performance of specialized medical units, identifying opportunities for technological integration and process improvement. This executive role requires balancing the demands of academic research with the operational requirements of a large-scale hospital system. By fostering partnerships with global research institutions, the MD Chief Executive Officer expands the influence of the organization. Ultimately, Ireton ensures that clinical practices remain at the forefront of modern medicine through continuous evaluation and strategic investment.

    Hunter Wessells - President

    Hunter Wessells, the President at UW Medicine, directs the strategic growth and operational success of specific clinical divisions within the healthcare system. Wessells manages the expansion of specialized medical services to meet the increasing demand for advanced care. The President coordinates with research teams to ensure that clinical departments remain at the forefront of medical innovation. Hunter Wessells oversees the allocation of resources to support the development of new treatment protocols and patient care facilities. This leadership role involves building partnerships with external organizations to enhance the system's market position. By focusing on operational excellence, the President ensures that clinical divisions achieve their financial and quality targets. Ultimately, Wessells drives the long-term success of the organization by aligning departmental activities with the broader mission of providing world-class healthcare and advancing medical knowledge.
    Hunter Wessells

    April Munoz-Adcock - President

    April Munoz-Adcock, the President at UW Medicine, manages the operational integration of community-based healthcare initiatives within the academic system. Munoz-Adcock directs the expansion of regional outreach programs to improve access to specialized care for diverse patient populations. The President coordinates with local health partners to ensure that the system's services meet the specific needs of the communities served. April Munoz-Adcock oversees the implementation of patient-centered care models that emphasize preventative health and chronic disease management. This role involves managing the logistical challenges of scaling clinical services across a broad geographic area. By optimizing the delivery of care, the President enhances the system's impact on public health outcomes. Ultimately, Munoz-Adcock ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving healthcare needs of the region while maintaining the high standards of an academic medical institution.

    Bradley Simmons - President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs

    Bradley Simmons, the President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs at UW Medicine, directs the daily operations of the system's hospitals and clinics. Simmons manages the coordination between clinical departments to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality service delivery. The President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs oversees the administrative functions that support medical affairs, including credentialing and compliance. Bradley Simmons collaborates with the medical staff to implement new clinical technologies and improve patient care protocols. This role involves managing the complex logistics of a large-scale hospital network to ensure operational stability. By focusing on the intersection of clinical practice and administrative efficiency, the President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs supports the system's overall mission. Ultimately, Simmons ensures that the hospitals and clinics provide a safe and effective environment for both patients and medical professionals.

    Christy Gullion - Chief of Staff

    Christy Gullion, the Chief of Staff at UW Medicine, facilitates communication between executive leadership and the broader clinical organization. Gullion manages the administrative workflow of the executive office, ensuring that strategic priorities receive appropriate attention and resources. The Chief of Staff coordinates cross-functional projects that align hospital operations with the system's academic mission. Christy Gullion monitors the implementation of organizational policies, providing guidance to department leaders to maintain operational consistency. This role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and resolving administrative bottlenecks that impede clinical progress. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall agility of the healthcare system. Gullion supports the executive team in executing long-term initiatives that improve patient access and service quality. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization functions as a cohesive unit while pursuing its goals in research and education.

    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, oversees the delivery of specialized anesthesia services across the clinical network. Artru directs the training of medical residents, ensuring that the next generation of physicians receives rigorous instruction in clinical practice. The MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff manages the safety protocols within surgical departments to minimize patient risk. Alan Artru coordinates with the medical directorate to optimize operating room efficiency and resource allocation. This leadership role involves integrating academic research into daily clinical workflows to improve surgical outcomes. By maintaining high standards of care, the MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff supports the system's reputation for excellence. Ultimately, Artru ensures that clinical operations remain safe, efficient, and aligned with the latest medical advancements.

    Kjel Hanson - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Kjel Hanson, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, architects the digital infrastructure required to support modern healthcare delivery and biomedical research. Hanson manages the implementation of secure data systems that protect patient information while enabling seamless access for clinical staff. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer oversees the integration of new medical technologies into existing hospital workflows to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Kjel Hanson collaborates with IT teams to ensure that the technological foundation of the system remains scalable and resilient against cyber threats. This role involves evaluating emerging digital tools that can improve patient engagement and operational efficiency. By driving the adoption of advanced analytics, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer supports data-driven decision-making across the organization. Ultimately, Hanson ensures that the technological capabilities of the system keep pace with the rapid evolution of medical science and patient care requirements.

    Kei Takamura - Chief People Officer

    Kei Takamura, the Chief People Officer at UW Medicine, directs the human capital strategy for the entire healthcare system. Takamura manages talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement initiatives to attract and retain top-tier medical professionals and researchers. The Chief People Officer oversees the implementation of organizational culture programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce. Kei Takamura collaborates with department heads to address staffing needs and ensure that clinical teams have the support required for high-performance care delivery. This role involves designing compensation and benefits structures that remain competitive in the global healthcare market. By fostering a supportive work environment, the Chief People Officer enhances the overall productivity and morale of the staff. Ultimately, Takamura ensures that the organization maintains a skilled and motivated workforce capable of meeting the complex demands of academic medicine.
    Kei Takamura

    David Zonies - Chief Medical Officer

    David Zonies, the Chief Medical Officer at UW Medicine, oversees the quality and safety of clinical care provided across all facilities. Zonies manages the implementation of evidence-based medical practices to ensure consistent patient outcomes throughout the system. The Chief Medical Officer coordinates with clinical leaders to monitor performance metrics and address areas for improvement in patient care delivery. David Zonies leads initiatives focused on reducing medical errors and enhancing the overall patient experience. This role involves working closely with the Board to ensure that clinical policies align with regulatory standards and ethical guidelines. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, the Chief Medical Officer supports the professional growth of the medical staff. Ultimately, Zonies ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients from across the globe through rigorous clinical oversight.

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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 Hunter Wessells (President).
    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), Hunter Wessells (President) 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, President, President, President & Senior VP, Hospitals Clinics & For Medical Affairs.