One executive has left and another is leaving Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed Health & Hospitals, a WakeMed spokesperson said in a statement to Becker’s.
COO Tom Gough’s last day is next week, while Seth Brody, MD, departed Aug. 21, according to the statement. Mr. Gough was named COO of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Baptist Health, and Dr. Brody joined Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health as chief medical growth officer. Their departures are unrelated to WakeMed’s proposed combination with Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health, the spokesperson said.
Both had hoped and anticipated the combination would be finalized by the time they shared their plans, though they understand and respect the Wake County Board of Commissioners’ desire to ensure the decision follows an open and comprehensive process, according to the statement. The commissioners have not yet voted on the proposal.
A transition plan is being developed for the COO role, the spokesperson added. Karen Chilton, MD, has been named senior vice president and chief medical and quality officer, a role that encompasses Dr. Brody’s responsibilities. Dr. Chilton joined WakeMed in 2004 and previously served as chief medical officer of WakeMed Children’s, associate chief quality officer and chief quality officer.
Daniel Fox, MD, a pulmonary and critical care physician, has been named interim senior vice president of physician services, responsible for the strategic performance, operations and growth of WakeMed Physician Practices, according to the statement. Dr. Fox has been with WakeMed since 2016.
WakeMed’s CEO has said the system could survive but not thrive on its own. The system has also proposed $919 million in new hospitals and expansions.
WakeMed operates three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital and a mental health hospital totaling 973 beds, along with four healthplexes, and has nearly 12,500 employees and providers.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
