UW Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

UW Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to advancing health, UW Medicine educates future medical professionals, conducts vital biomedical research, and delivers global patient care, shaping the future of healthcare through innovation and expertise.

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 Information Officer - Eric Neil
  • Chief of Staff - Christy Gullion
  • Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer - Laurie Rodriguez
  • MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff - Alan Artru
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Kjel Hanson
  • Chief Medical Officer - David Zonies
  • Chief People Officer - Kei Takamura
  • 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, Wendy Tinker ensures alignment with the core mission of education, research, and patient care. This leadership position involves guiding the organization through evolving healthcare landscapes, fostering innovation in medical practices, and maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to strategic partnerships, resource allocation, and ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of UW Medicine. By setting the vision, Wendy Tinker drives the organization's commitment to advancing biomedical research and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, impacting patient outcomes across the globe.

    Robert Ireton - MD Chief Executive Officer

    Robert Ireton, the MD Chief Executive Officer at UW Medicine, spearheads the strategic direction and clinical leadership of the academic healthcare system. As MD Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ireton focuses on integrating cutting-edge medical research with patient-centric care delivery, ensuring the highest quality of treatment and outcomes. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of advanced medical protocols, fostering a culture of continuous learning among medical staff, and driving initiatives that enhance patient safety and satisfaction. The responsibilities of the MD Chief Executive Officer include managing relationships with clinical departments, advancing research programs, and ensuring that UW Medicine remains at the forefront of medical innovation. Through strategic oversight, Robert Ireton champions the organization's mission to educate future physicians and scientists while providing comprehensive care to a global patient population.

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller - Chief Operating Officer, IT Services

    Kristal Mauritz-Miller, the Chief Operating Officer, IT Services at UW Medicine, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the IT Services division. Overseeing the delivery of technology services across the academic healthcare system, Kristal Mauritz-Miller ensures the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of all IT operations supporting patient care, research, and education. This leadership position involves managing IT infrastructure, optimizing service delivery processes, and leading teams responsible for technical support and system maintenance. The Chief Operating Officer, IT Services' responsibilities include implementing operational best practices, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring that IT services align with the strategic goals of UW Medicine. By focusing on operational excellence within IT, Kristal Mauritz-Miller enhances the technological foundation that underpins the institution's critical functions, directly impacting the quality of care and the advancement of scientific discovery.
    Kristal Mauritz-Miller

    Eric Neil - Chief Information Officer

    Eric Neil, the Chief Information Officer at UW Medicine, architects and executes the comprehensive information technology strategy for the academic healthcare system. Overseeing all digital infrastructure and data management, Eric Neil ensures the secure and efficient operation of critical systems that support patient care, biomedical research, and educational programs. This leadership role involves driving technological innovation, implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, and optimizing data analytics capabilities to inform strategic decision-making. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes managing IT operations, developing robust digital health solutions, and ensuring seamless integration of technology across all UW Medicine facilities. By leading the IT division, Eric Neil directly contributes to enhancing operational efficiency, improving patient experiences through digital tools, and supporting the groundbreaking research conducted within the organization.

    Christy Gullion - Chief of Staff

    Christy Gullion, the Chief of Staff at UW Medicine, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. Managing key initiatives and ensuring seamless communication across departments, Christy Gullion facilitates the execution of the organization's strategic priorities. This role involves coordinating high-level projects, streamlining internal processes, and acting as a key liaison between various leadership functions. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities encompass driving operational efficiency, supporting the development of organizational policies, and ensuring that executive decisions are effectively implemented throughout UW Medicine. By managing critical cross-functional projects and providing direct counsel, Christy Gullion plays a vital part in advancing the institution's mission of medical education, research, and patient care, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of the leadership team.

    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 advancement. Overseeing the technological infrastructure that supports complex biomedical research projects, Laurie Rodriguez ensures that research budgets are managed efficiently and that technology enables groundbreaking discoveries. This dual role involves developing and implementing IT strategies specifically tailored to the demands of clinical trials, managing research-related technology investments, and ensuring compliance with all relevant financial and data security regulations. The Clinical Research Budget Specialist & Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing resource allocation for research endeavors and leveraging technology to accelerate the pace of scientific inquiry. By expertly managing both the financial and technological aspects of clinical research, Laurie Rodriguez significantly contributes to UW Medicine's robust biomedical research programs and its mission to advance medical knowledge.

    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, provides comprehensive clinical leadership and strategic direction within the anesthesiology department and across associated medical functions. Overseeing the clinical operations of anesthesiology, Alan Artru ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care, manages departmental resources, and fosters an environment of academic excellence and research innovation. This multifaceted role involves leading medical staff, guiding the development of advanced anesthetic techniques, and contributing to the overall medical strategy of UW Medicine. The responsibilities of the MD, Professor of Anesthesiology, Chief of Anesthesiology, Associate Medical Director, Chief of Staff extend to ensuring the seamless integration of clinical services with educational and research objectives. By leading critical medical departments and contributing to institutional leadership, Alan Artru significantly advances patient care standards and supports the academic mission of UW Medicine.

    Kjel Hanson - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Kjel Hanson, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at UW Medicine, supports the Chief Information Officer in executing the technology vision and operational strategy for the academic healthcare system. Overseeing key technology initiatives and infrastructure projects, Kjel Hanson ensures the effective implementation of digital solutions that enhance patient care, research capabilities, and educational delivery. This role involves managing technology teams, driving innovation in IT architecture, and ensuring the security and integrity of UW Medicine's digital assets. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include collaborating with various departments to identify technological needs, developing strategic technology roadmaps, and overseeing the deployment of new systems and platforms. By providing critical leadership within the IT division, Kjel Hanson directly contributes to the operational efficiency and technological advancement of UW Medicine, supporting its core missions.

    David Zonies - Chief Medical Officer

    David Zonies, the Chief Medical Officer at UW Medicine, directs the clinical quality, patient safety, and medical affairs across the academic healthcare system. Overseeing all aspects of medical practice, David Zonies ensures the highest standards of patient care are consistently met and advanced through evidence-based medicine and innovative treatment protocols. This leadership role involves guiding clinical strategy, managing physician relations, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare delivery. The Chief Medical Officer's responsibilities extend to developing and implementing policies that enhance patient outcomes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among medical professionals. By leading the medical staff and championing clinical excellence, David Zonies plays a pivotal role in fulfilling UW Medicine's commitment to providing exceptional patient care and advancing medical knowledge through research and education.

    Kei Takamura - Chief People Officer

    Kei Takamura, the Chief People Officer at UW Medicine, leads the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives for the academic healthcare system. Overseeing all aspects of workforce development, employee relations, and organizational culture, Kei Takamura ensures that UW Medicine attracts, retains, and develops a high-caliber team dedicated to its mission. This critical role involves designing and implementing programs for recruitment, compensation, benefits, and professional development, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. The Chief People Officer's responsibilities extend to aligning HR strategies with the organization's overall goals, managing employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. By focusing on the people who drive UW Medicine's success, Kei Takamura significantly contributes to the institution's ability to excel in patient care, biomedical research, and medical education.
    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 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 Information Officer, Chief of Staff.