University Medical Center Announces New CEO in Restructuring

Maria Zampini, a 30-year veteran at UMC, will take over as chief executive officer.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished stainless steel medical tray with various surgical instruments arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the precision and care of the medical professionals at University Medical Center.A minimalist studio still life captures the commitment to excellence and patient care that defines University Medical Center's leadership transition.El Paso Today

University Medical Center (UMC) in El Paso, Texas has announced the appointment of Maria Zampini as its new Chief Executive Officer as part of a broader organizational restructuring. Zampini, who has served as UMC's Chief Operations Officer since 2013, will now report to Jacob Cintron, the President and CEO of the El Paso County Hospital District.

Why it matters

The leadership change at UMC is part of a broader effort by the El Paso County Hospital District to evolve its management structure as the organization continues to grow in scale and complexity. The restructuring aims to provide clearer lines of authority and accountability across UMC, El Paso Children's Hospital, and the El Paso Health insurance plan.

The details

In her new role, Zampini will be responsible for overseeing all operations at UMC. During her tenure as COO, she has led major facility renovations and expansion projects totaling over $500 million, all completed on time and under budget. Zampini has also overseen the opening of several large outpatient healthcare centers.

  • Maria Zampini was announced as the new CEO of UMC on April 17, 2026.
  • Zampini has served as UMC's Chief Operations Officer since 2013.

The players

Maria Zampini

The new Chief Executive Officer of University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. Zampini has been a key leader at UMC for over 30 years, most recently serving as the hospital's Chief Operations Officer since 2013.

Jacob Cintron

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the El Paso County Hospital District, which oversees UMC, El Paso Children's Hospital, and the El Paso Health insurance plan.

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What they’re saying

“Maria is a highly effective health care leader. Her education, experience, commitment to our mission, strategic insight, and operational knowledge makes her well positioned to lead UMC into its next phase of growth.”

— Jacob Cintron, President and CEO, El Paso County Hospital District

“Leading UMC is not just a career milestone, it is a deeply personal commitment. During my many years as COO, I have learned what makes UMC strong and I am honored to build on that foundation, serve the community that shaped me, and ensure our patients are treated with the highest level of care and compassion.”

— Maria Zampini

What’s next

The restructuring is consistent with the Hospital District's broader organizational model, with both El Paso Children's Hospital and El Paso Health having their own CEOs as part of the overall Hospital District.

The takeaway

The leadership change at UMC reflects the El Paso County Hospital District's efforts to evolve its management structure to support the growing scale and complexity of its healthcare operations, which include not just UMC but also the children's hospital and insurance plan. Zampini's deep experience and commitment to the community position her well to lead UMC through this next phase.