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Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Appoints New CEO
David Zaas, MD, to lead health system and oversee patient care, operations, and strategic growth.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has appointed David Zaas, MD, as its new CEO, effective January 1. Dr. Zaas will continue to serve as president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a part of Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health, and executive vice president for clinical health affairs at Wake Forest University. In his expanded role, he will oversee patient care services, clinical operations, and strategic growth for the health system.
Why it matters
The appointment of a new CEO at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a major academic health system in North Carolina, signals a transition in leadership and an opportunity to build upon the organization's strengths in patient care, research, and education.
The details
Dr. Zaas succeeds Julie Freischlag, MD, who retired at the end of 2025 and transitioned to an ambassador role at Advocate Health. Advocate Health also named Ebony Boulware, MD, as the chief academic officer of the enterprise, while she continues to serve as dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Zaas' appointment as CEO is effective January 1, 2026.
- Dr. Freischlag retired at the end of 2025.
The players
David Zaas, MD
The new CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a part of Advocate Health. He also serves as executive vice president for clinical health affairs at Wake Forest University.
Julie Freischlag, MD
The former CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist who retired at the end of 2025 and transitioned to an ambassador role at Advocate Health.
Ebony Boulware, MD
The new chief academic officer of Advocate Health and the dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
A major academic health system in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that is part of Advocate Health.
Advocate Health
A large healthcare system based in Charlotte, North Carolina, that includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
What they’re saying
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Zaas as the new CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. His leadership and vision will be instrumental in continuing to advance our mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
— Ebony Boulware, MD, Chief Academic Officer, Advocate Health (Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist news release)
What’s next
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist will continue to focus on providing high-quality patient care, advancing medical research, and training the next generation of healthcare professionals under Dr. Zaas' leadership.
The takeaway
The appointment of Dr. Zaas as the new CEO of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist represents a smooth transition of leadership and an opportunity for the health system to build upon its strengths in academic medicine and community-focused care.
