WakeMed Health & Hospitals Executive and Leadership Team

Stephanie Sessoms, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial strategy of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and revenue cycle management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain available for critical services like women's and children's health. This leadership role involves balancing the financial requirements of a non-profit system with the need for continuous investment in medical technology and facility expansion. By maintaining rigorous budgetary oversight, Stephanie Sessoms directly impacts the organization's ability to provide accessible care to the community. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the board to align financial performance with strategic growth objectives. Through disciplined fiscal planning, Sessoms secures the stability necessary for the health system to thrive. This commitment to financial stewardship supports the ongoing delivery of comprehensive medical services across the entire network.

Thomas Gough, the Chief Operating Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, directs the daily clinical and administrative functions across the entire health system. Overseeing complex hospital workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that heart, vascular, and surgical departments maintain peak efficiency. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation to support high-volume patient care environments throughout North Carolina. By streamlining internal processes, Thomas Gough directly impacts the quality of service delivery and operational sustainability. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with department heads to implement standardized protocols that enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes. Through rigorous management of hospital infrastructure, Gough maintains the high standards required for a leading non-profit health system. This focus on operational excellence allows the organization to meet the evolving needs of the community while managing the logistical demands of a multi-facility medical network.

Paul Haugan, the President, Medical Staff at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, represents the interests of the physician community while fostering a culture of clinical excellence. Overseeing medical staff governance and professional standards, the President, Medical Staff ensures that all practitioners adhere to the highest quality of care protocols. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the medical staff and executive leadership to align clinical practices with organizational goals. By promoting professional development and peer collaboration, Paul Haugan directly impacts the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical talent. The President, Medical Staff works to maintain a collaborative environment where physicians can effectively deliver heart, vascular, and surgical services. Through active engagement with the medical community, Haugan supports the continuous improvement of clinical outcomes. This focus on medical staff leadership ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for providing exceptional, patient-centered care throughout the entire health system.

Gay Gooden, the President ( Emergency Medicine ) at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads the clinical and operational strategy for the emergency medicine department. Overseeing the rapid response teams and emergency care facilities, the President ( Emergency Medicine ) ensures that patients receive immediate and high-quality care during critical situations. This leadership role involves managing the emergency department's resources, staffing, and clinical protocols to handle high-acuity cases effectively. By optimizing emergency service delivery, Gay Gooden directly impacts the survival and recovery rates of patients in the community. The President ( Emergency Medicine ) collaborates with other departments to ensure seamless transitions from emergency care to specialized treatment areas like surgery or rehabilitation. Through the implementation of efficient triage and treatment processes, Gooden maintains the readiness of the emergency department. This focus on emergency medicine leadership ensures that the health system remains a reliable provider of life-saving care for the entire region.

Steve Ricney, the Chief Technology Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern healthcare delivery. Managing enterprise-wide data systems, the Chief Technology Officer secures patient information while enabling seamless integration between specialized departments like brain, spine, and orthopedic services. This leadership role involves deploying advanced health information technology to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. By modernizing digital platforms, Steve Ricney directly supports the organization's mission to provide high-quality care through technological innovation. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to implement electronic health records and telehealth solutions that expand access to care across the region. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity and system scalability, Ricney protects the integrity of the health system's digital assets. This focus on technological advancement ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of medical service delivery in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Micah Krempasky, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads the clinical strategy for mental health and psychiatric services. Overseeing the integration of behavioral health into the broader medical system, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health ensures that patients receive holistic care that addresses both physical and mental well-being. This leadership role involves developing evidence-based treatment protocols and managing clinical teams dedicated to psychiatric support. By expanding access to behavioral health resources, Micah Krempasky directly impacts the overall health outcomes of the patient population. The Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health collaborates with emergency and primary care departments to create seamless referral pathways for individuals in crisis. Through the implementation of specialized care models, Krempasky improves the quality of life for patients across the region. This focus on behavioral health integration strengthens the organization's capacity to serve the diverse needs of the community.

Charles Harr, the Chief Medical Officer, Campus (Raleigh) at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, directs the clinical operations and medical quality at the Raleigh campus. Overseeing the delivery of emergency, surgical, and specialized services, the Chief Medical Officer, Campus (Raleigh) ensures that the facility meets the highest standards of patient safety and care. This leadership role involves managing the clinical staff and coordinating with other campus leaders to optimize patient flow and service efficiency. By driving clinical excellence at the Raleigh location, Charles Harr directly impacts the health outcomes of the local community. The Chief Medical Officer, Campus (Raleigh) works to implement innovative treatment strategies that address the specific needs of the patient population served by this campus. Through rigorous oversight of medical practices, Harr maintains the quality of care that defines the organization. This focus on campus-level leadership ensures that the Raleigh facility remains a cornerstone of the health system.

Brian Lynde, the Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management for the health system. Overseeing the legal framework that governs hospital operations, the Vice President, Chief Legal Officer ensures that the organization adheres to all state and federal healthcare regulations. This leadership role involves providing strategic counsel to the executive team on matters ranging from medical malpractice to corporate governance. By mitigating legal risks, Brian Lynde directly impacts the organization's ability to focus on its core mission of patient care. The Vice President, Chief Legal Officer works to protect the interests of the health system while fostering an environment of transparency and accountability. Through proactive legal strategy, Lynde supports the organization's growth and operational stability. This focus on legal integrity ensures that the health system operates within the highest ethical and regulatory standards in the healthcare industry.

Jeronica Goodwin, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads the strategy for talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Overseeing the workforce that powers the health system, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains the best medical and administrative professionals. This leadership role involves developing programs that support employee well-being and professional growth across all departments. By fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, Jeronica Goodwin directly impacts the quality of patient care and staff satisfaction. The Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer collaborates with leadership to align human capital strategies with the organization's mission. Through effective talent management, Goodwin builds a resilient workforce capable of meeting the demands of a complex healthcare environment. This focus on people-centric leadership strengthens the organization's overall performance and community impact.

Theresa Amerson, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, designs and implements strategies to improve the health outcomes of the entire patient population. Overseeing initiatives that focus on preventative care and chronic disease management, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health ensures that the health system addresses the root causes of illness within the community. This leadership role involves analyzing health data to identify trends and developing targeted interventions that reduce hospital readmissions and improve overall wellness. By shifting the focus toward proactive health management, Theresa Amerson directly impacts the long-term health of the region. The Chief Medical Officer, Population Health works with community partners and clinical teams to create comprehensive care models that extend beyond the hospital walls. Through data-driven decision-making, Amerson enhances the effectiveness of the organization's population health programs. This focus on preventative care ensures that the health system remains a leader in community-wide health improvement.