4 Hospitals, Health Systems Add New C-Suite Roles in 2026

Inaugural executive positions focus on clinical, digital and operational leadership

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Several hospitals and health systems, including academic medical centers, have expanded their C-suites with new executive roles aimed at strengthening clinical, digital and operational leadership. The new roles have been created at UVA Health, Michigan Medicine, UF Health, and UAB Health System.

Why it matters

The addition of these new C-suite positions reflects the evolving needs and priorities of healthcare organizations as they navigate an increasingly complex industry landscape. By bringing in specialized expertise in areas like nursing, digital transformation, and medical operations, these institutions are positioning themselves to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.

The details

The new roles include UVA Health's appointment of longtime physician leader Reid Adams, MD, as its inaugural chief medical officer; Michigan Medicine's selection of Anika Gardenhire, RN, as its first chief digital and information officer; UF Health's naming of Janice Walker, DHA, RN, as its inaugural chief nursing officer; and UAB Health System's selection of Terri Poe, DNP, as its first chief nursing executive.

  • The new roles were announced in 2026.

The players

UVA Health

A health system based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Reid Adams, MD

A longtime physician leader who was appointed as UVA Health's inaugural chief medical officer.

Michigan Medicine

An academic medical center based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Anika Gardenhire, RN

An executive who was appointed as Michigan Medicine's inaugural chief digital and information officer, having previously served as chief digital and transformation officer at Ardent Health in Nashville, Tennessee.

UF Health

A health system based in Gainesville, Florida.

Janice Walker, DHA, RN

A nursing executive who was named UF Health's inaugural chief nursing officer, having most recently served as system vice president and regional chief nurse officer for Advocate Health's Southeast region in Charlotte, North Carolina.

UAB Health System

A health system based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Terri Poe, DNP

A nursing leader who was named UAB Health System's inaugural chief nursing executive, having served as vice president and chief nursing officer of UAB Medicine's flagship facility, UAB Hospital, for more than a decade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The addition of these new C-suite roles reflects the evolving priorities and needs of healthcare organizations as they strive to enhance patient care, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making in an increasingly complex industry landscape. By bringing in specialized expertise in areas like nursing, digital transformation, and medical operations, these institutions are positioning themselves for success in the years ahead.