The University of Alabama at Birmingham has announced that Kenny Shafer will serve as chief executive officer of UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, beginning September 2.
Leadership Experience and Career Highlights
Shafer brings more than a decade of health system leadership to his new role. Most recently, he served as CEO of Johnson City Medical Center, the 501-bed flagship hospital of Ballad Health in northeast Tennessee. Under his leadership, the hospital expanded clinical services and earned recognition for quality, performance, and safety.
He also served as chief operating officer of Indian Path Medical Center and directed initiatives to increase access in interventional radiology, trauma care, neurosciences, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery. His work played a key role in developing the Ballad Health Trauma Network, praised for coordinating care between emergency departments, trauma centers, EMS teams, and physicians.
Vision for UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham
Shafer expressed excitement about joining UAB Medicine and leading a hospital with a long history of serving the community. He emphasized his commitment to working with the hospital’s staff to strengthen its foundation, improve patient experiences, and further its mission.
Shafer and his family are relocating to Birmingham and are eager to become part of the community.
Strategic Goals and Next Steps
As CEO, Shafer will oversee daily operations and guide the hospital’s continued integration within the UAB Health System. He will collaborate with clinical and operational teams to ensure the highest standards of care for patients.
UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella described Shafer as a strategic leader who can elevate care, build strong teams, and achieve results. She noted that his track record in operational excellence and patient-centered care makes him an ideal choice for this role.
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