The University of Alabama at Birmingham is pleased to announce Kenny Shafer has been named chief executive officer of UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, effective Sept. 2.
Shafer joins UAB Medicine with more than a decade of health system leadership, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Johnson City Medical Center, the flagship 501-bed hospital of Ballad Health, serving northeast Tennessee. During his tenure, he led significant growth in clinical services and helped elevate the hospital’s recognition for quality, performance and safety.
He has also held key operational roles across the Ballad Health system, including chief operating officer of Indian Path Medical Center. He has overseen strategic initiatives to expand access in such areas as interventional radiology, trauma and critical care, neurosciences, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery. His leadership was vital to the development of the Ballad Health Trauma Network, which has been lauded for effective care coordination between emergency departments, trauma centers, EMS services and physicians.
“I am honored to join the UAB Medicine team and to lead a hospital that has such a rich legacy of service to the community,” Shafer said. “My family and I are excited about this adventure and to make Birmingham our new home. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham to build on its strong foundation and continue enhancing the experience for our patients, caregivers and community.”
As CEO of UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, Shafer will oversee daily operations and guide the hospital’s continued integration within the UAB Health System. He will work closely with its clinical and operational teams to advance its mission and ensure the highest-quality care for the patients and communities it serves.
“Kenny is a thoughtful and strategic leader with a proven ability to elevate care, strengthen teams and deliver results,” said Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of the UAB Health System. “His experience and his commitment to operational excellence and patient-centered care make him a strong fit for UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham.”