WVU Medicine Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

WVU Medicine has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, operations, and financial management.

Committed to advancing clinical excellence across the region, WVU Medicine integrates research and education to deliver patient-centered care while expanding access to specialized medical services throughout West Virginia.

Leadership Roles at WVU Medicine

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Albert Wright
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital) - John Forester
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Candace Miller
  • President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital) - Leslie Lawson
  • Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center - Mark O'Hern
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East) - Zach Kerns
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Tracy Lipscomb
  • Chief Operating Officer - Albert Boland
  • Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center - Aaron Yanuzo
  • Chief Information Officer - Jeremy Taylor
  • Albert Wright - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Albert Wright, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WVU Medicine, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest health system in West Virginia. Overseeing a vast network of hospitals and specialized institutes, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures clinical excellence remains the primary focus across all facilities. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to align research initiatives with patient care delivery models. By fostering partnerships with academic institutions, Wright drives the development of future healthcare professionals. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages complex organizational growth, ensuring that the system maintains high standards of medical service. Through rigorous oversight of operational performance, Albert Wright secures the long-term sustainability of the health system. This executive leadership supports the mission of providing advanced treatments to communities throughout the region while maintaining a robust, integrated healthcare infrastructure.
    Albert Wright

    John Forester - President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital)

    John Forester, the President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital) at WVU Medicine, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the specific hospital facility. Overseeing local clinical services and community health initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital) ensures that the facility meets the unique healthcare needs of the local population. This role involves managing hospital staff and coordinating with the broader health system to integrate advanced medical treatments. By fostering a culture of patient-centered care, Forester improves service quality and operational efficiency within the hospital. The President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital) collaborates with regional leaders to align local goals with the system-wide mission of clinical excellence. John Forester drives the growth of local medical services, ensuring that the hospital remains a vital provider of comprehensive healthcare. Through effective leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital) maintains high standards of care.
    John Forester

    Candace Miller - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Candace Miller, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WVU Medicine, manages the strategic operations of a key facility within the health system. Overseeing clinical service expansion and patient care quality, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the facility adheres to the high standards set by the organization. This role involves directing administrative teams and coordinating with medical staff to optimize treatment delivery. By focusing on community health outcomes, Miller drives the implementation of specialized medical services that address regional needs. The President & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with other system leaders to ensure seamless integration of care across the network. Candace Miller executes operational strategies that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the facility. Through dedicated leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer supports the mission of providing advanced, patient-centered care while contributing to the overall growth and success of the health system in the region.
    Candace Miller

    Leslie Lawson - President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital)

    Leslie Lawson, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital) at WVU Medicine, directs the operations of two critical regional medical centers. Overseeing the delivery of comprehensive healthcare services, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital) ensures that both facilities provide high-quality care to their respective communities. This role involves managing clinical staff and optimizing hospital resources to meet patient demand. By implementing system-wide standards, Lawson improves the consistency and quality of medical services across both locations. The President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital) collaborates with the broader health system to integrate advanced treatments and research initiatives. Leslie Lawson drives the operational success of these centers, ensuring that they remain essential providers of healthcare. Through effective management, the President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital) supports the mission of clinical excellence.
    Leslie Lawson

    Mark O'Hern - Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center

    Mark O'Hern, the Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center at WVU Medicine, directs the strategic and operational activities of the Berkeley facility. Overseeing the expansion of clinical services and the implementation of patient-centered care models, the Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center ensures that the center meets the healthcare needs of the regional population. This role involves managing hospital leadership and coordinating with the broader health system to deliver advanced medical treatments. By fostering a culture of excellence, O'Hern drives the performance of the medical center. The Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center collaborates with other executives to align regional goals with the system-wide mission. Mark O'Hern executes strategies that enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. Through effective leadership, the Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center supports the organization's commitment to providing comprehensive medical care throughout the region.
    Mark O'Hern

    Zach Kerns - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East)

    Zach Kerns, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East) at WVU Medicine, directs financial planning and fiscal health for the eastern operational sector. Overseeing budgetary allocations and revenue cycle management, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East) ensures that regional facilities maintain the financial stability required for continuous service expansion. This role involves analyzing market trends to identify growth opportunities and resource requirements within the eastern region. By implementing cost-control measures, Kerns optimizes the financial performance of hospitals and specialized clinics. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East) collaborates with executive leadership to align fiscal strategies with the broader mission of the health system. Zach Kerns drives financial accountability, ensuring that investments in medical technology and infrastructure support the delivery of advanced treatments. Through strategic financial oversight, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Region (East) secures the resources necessary for long-term success.
    Zach Kerns

    Tracy Lipscomb - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Tracy Lipscomb, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at WVU Medicine, manages the financial strategy and fiscal operations of the entire health system. Overseeing capital budgeting and financial reporting, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the organization maintains the resources necessary to support clinical excellence and research. This role involves analyzing financial performance to identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue growth. By collaborating with the executive team, Lipscomb aligns fiscal planning with the long-term strategic goals of the health system. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer implements robust financial controls that ensure the sustainability of the network's hospitals and specialized institutes. Tracy Lipscomb drives the financial health of the organization, supporting the delivery of advanced treatments to communities across the state. Through strategic financial management, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the foundation for continued growth and innovation within the healthcare system.

    Albert Boland - Chief Operating Officer

    Albert Boland, the Chief Operating Officer at WVU Medicine, manages the daily operational efficiency of the health system's extensive network. Overseeing supply chain logistics and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all hospitals maintain the necessary resources to provide high-quality patient care. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to reduce overhead and improve service delivery across the state. By coordinating with department heads, Boland optimizes staffing levels and operational workflows to meet the demands of a growing patient population. The Chief Operating Officer implements standardized protocols that enhance safety and performance across all specialized institutes. Albert Boland drives the execution of operational strategies that support the organization's commitment to clinical excellence. Through meticulous oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the health system functions as a cohesive, high-performing unit dedicated to patient-centered care.

    Aaron Yanuzo - Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center

    Aaron Yanuzo, the Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center at WVU Medicine, manages the daily operational functions of the Fairmont facility. Overseeing clinical workflows and facility maintenance, the Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center ensures that the hospital operates efficiently to provide timely patient care. This role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline administrative processes and improve service delivery. By focusing on operational excellence, Yanuzo supports the integration of advanced medical treatments within the center. The Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center collaborates with system-wide leadership to align local operations with the broader mission of the health system. Aaron Yanuzo drives the execution of performance improvement initiatives that enhance the quality of care for the community. Through meticulous oversight of daily activities, the Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Medical Center ensures that the facility remains a high-performing component of the network, dedicated to patient-centered care and clinical excellence.

    Jeremy Taylor - Chief Information Officer

    Jeremy Taylor, the Chief Information Officer at WVU Medicine, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire health system. Managing the integration of electronic health records and advanced diagnostic systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless data flow across all hospitals and affiliated facilities. This role involves implementing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient information while enabling efficient clinical workflows. By leveraging data analytics, Taylor optimizes resource allocation and improves patient outcomes across the state. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with clinical leaders to deploy innovative medical technologies that enhance the quality of care. Jeremy Taylor drives the digital transformation of the organization, ensuring that technological capabilities align with the broader mission of clinical excellence. Through the modernization of IT systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the delivery of advanced treatments and facilitates research initiatives within the network.
    Jeremy Taylor

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WVU Medicine Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WVU Medicine?
    WVU Medicine is led by Albert Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Forester (President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital)) and Candace Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of WVU Medicine’s executive team?
    The executive team of WVU Medicine includes leaders such as Albert Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Forester (President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital)), Candace Miller (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WVU Medicine have?
    WVU Medicine has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WVU Medicine’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WVU Medicine includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital), President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer (Summersville Regional Medical Center & Braxton County Memorial Hospital), Regional President & Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Medical Center.