WakeMed Health & Hospitals Executive and Leadership Team

Donald Gintzig, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, directs the overarching strategic vision for this non-profit health system. Gintzig oversees the integration of heart, vascular, and surgical services across the North Carolina network. By aligning clinical outcomes with long-term institutional goals, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality care within the competitive healthcare landscape. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to expand regional service capabilities and maintain financial sustainability. Donald Gintzig drives operational efficiency while fostering a culture of innovation in patient treatment. Through the management of complex hospital systems, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of community health initiatives. Gintzig maintains a focus on scaling specialized medical departments to meet the evolving needs of the population, ultimately strengthening the market position of the entire organization.

Stephanie Sessoms, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Sessoms oversees revenue cycle management, budgeting, and capital allocation to support the expansion of clinical services. By monitoring financial performance across all hospital departments, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the efficient use of resources. This role involves analyzing market trends to guide investment in new medical technologies and facility improvements. Stephanie Sessoms drives cost-containment initiatives that maintain the affordability of care for the community. Through the management of financial reporting, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency necessary for informed executive decision-making. Sessoms collaborates with the Board to secure the long-term economic stability of the health system, ensuring that the organization remains well-positioned to meet the healthcare demands of the region.

Judith O'Neal, the Senior VP, Public Affairs & Office of The Chief of Staff & President at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, manages external communications and internal executive alignment. O'Neal coordinates the flow of information between the President's office and various clinical departments to ensure operational cohesion. By overseeing public relations strategies, the Senior VP, Public Affairs & Office of The Chief of Staff & President strengthens the reputation of the health system within the community. This role involves navigating complex stakeholder relationships to support the organization's mission of accessible care. Judith O'Neal drives initiatives that promote transparency and engagement with regional partners. Through the management of the executive office, the Senior VP, Public Affairs & Office of The Chief of Staff & President facilitates efficient decision-making processes. O'Neal ensures that all public messaging reflects the core values of the hospital system while supporting the strategic objectives set by the executive leadership team.

Paul Haugan, the President, Medical Staff at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, represents the interests of the physician community within the executive leadership structure. Haugan oversees the maintenance of clinical standards and peer review processes to ensure high-quality patient care. By facilitating communication between the medical staff and hospital administration, the President, Medical Staff fosters a collaborative environment focused on clinical excellence. This role involves managing credentialing and professional development programs for the medical team. Paul Haugan drives initiatives that promote physician engagement and retention across all specialties. Through the oversight of medical staff bylaws, the President, Medical Staff ensures that clinical operations remain compliant with regulatory requirements. Haugan works to align the goals of the medical staff with the strategic mission of the health system, ultimately supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered medical services throughout the entire organization.

Steve Ricney, the Chief Technology Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern clinical workflows. Ricney manages the implementation of advanced health information systems to improve data accuracy and patient safety. By overseeing the deployment of secure network solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity across all hospital departments. This role involves evaluating emerging medical technologies to enhance diagnostic precision and operational speed. Steve Ricney drives the digital transformation strategy, enabling clinicians to access critical information in real-time. Through the optimization of enterprise software, the Chief Technology Officer supports the broader mission of providing efficient, high-quality care. Ricney coordinates with other executive leaders to align technical investments with clinical priorities. By maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Technology Officer protects sensitive patient data while facilitating the growth of digital health services throughout the regional network.

Siva Ketha, the Director CHIP and Chief Technology Officer PCI at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads specialized technical initiatives within the cardiovascular and surgical service lines. Ketha oversees the integration of high-precision medical technology to support complex heart and vascular procedures. By managing the technical requirements of the PCI program, the Director CHIP and Chief Technology Officer PCI ensures that clinical teams possess the tools necessary for optimal patient outcomes. This role involves bridging the gap between advanced engineering and bedside care. Siva Ketha drives the adoption of innovative diagnostic equipment to maintain the hospital's status as a leader in cardiac services. Through the continuous assessment of technical performance, the Director CHIP and Chief Technology Officer PCI supports the efficiency of surgical operations. Ketha collaborates with medical staff to refine procedural workflows, ensuring that technology directly contributes to the success of the health system's specialized clinical programs.

Peter Marks, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, manages the enterprise-wide data architecture and information governance. Marks oversees the maintenance of electronic health records to ensure seamless patient data management across all facilities. By directing the IT department, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer supports the clinical staff with reliable, high-speed access to critical diagnostic tools. This role involves planning long-term infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the growing volume of patient information. Peter Marks drives the implementation of data analytics platforms that assist in tracking clinical performance and operational metrics. Through the coordination of system-wide software updates, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures compliance with healthcare regulations. Marks works closely with the executive team to align information technology investments with the strategic goals of the hospital system, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to the community.

Micah Krempasky, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads the clinical strategy for mental health and psychiatric services. Krempasky oversees the development of treatment protocols that integrate behavioral health into the broader continuum of care. By managing the medical staff within the behavioral health department, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health ensures the delivery of compassionate and evidence-based patient support. This role involves coordinating with other clinical leaders to address the intersection of physical and mental health needs. Micah Krempasky drives initiatives to expand access to psychiatric services throughout the regional network. Through the implementation of quality improvement programs, the Chief Medical Officer, Behavioral Health enhances the effectiveness of patient interventions. Krempasky works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health while ensuring that the hospital system provides comprehensive, high-quality care for all patients requiring behavioral health support.

Jeronica Goodwin, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, directs the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies. Goodwin oversees the recruitment, training, and retention of clinical and administrative staff to ensure the hospital system remains fully staffed. By managing employee relations and organizational culture, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer fosters a supportive environment for all healthcare professionals. This role involves designing compensation and benefits programs that attract top-tier talent to the region. Jeronica Goodwin drives initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workforce. Through the implementation of performance management systems, the Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Chief People Officer ensures that staff members are equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients. Goodwin collaborates with executive leadership to align human capital strategies with the overall mission of the health system.

Theresa Amerson, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health at WakeMed Health & Hospitals, leads the strategy for improving health outcomes across the entire patient population. Amerson oversees the design of preventative care programs and chronic disease management initiatives. By analyzing health data, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health identifies trends that inform the development of community-based medical services. This role involves coordinating with primary care providers and specialists to ensure seamless transitions of care. Theresa Amerson drives the adoption of value-based care models that prioritize patient wellness and long-term health. Through the management of population health metrics, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health evaluates the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Amerson works to reduce health disparities by expanding access to essential services throughout the region. By focusing on proactive health management, the Chief Medical Officer, Population Health supports the mission of the health system to improve the overall well-being of the community.