UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office welcomed 18 individuals in its 11th cohort of Institute for Leadership in August 2025.
UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership is a flagship program of the Leadership Development Office, aimed at empowering leaders across UAB and the UAB Health System. It features an initial DISC assessment and a robust agenda of guest speakers from executive-level leadership positions at UAB, including Institute alumni, throughout the program.
“We are excited to welcome these 18 leaders from across UAB Medicine to take part in this leadership development journey as part of the 11th cohort of the UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership,” said Jean Ann Larson, Ed.D., Chief Leadership Development Officer. “One of several advantages of this program is the ability for UAB Medicine leaders to meet other leaders from other parts of the organization and create lasting relationships.”
Learn more about the 11th cohort of UAB Medicine Institute for Leadership.
Shondra Black, MSHQS, RN, BSN-BC
Senior Director
Cardiovascular Imaging
Shondra Black is the Senior Director of Cardiovascular Imaging and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Shondra has 20 years of nursing experience in various leadership roles, including her recent promotion as Senior Director. She has been a part of the UAB family for 10 years. Shondra is passionate about cardiology, having dedicated her nursing career to the specialty. As an enthusiastic leader, she is committed to spearheading initiatives that improve patient care and access.
Pam Cargo, DNP, MSHQS
Senior Director
Care Transitions
After a 20-year tenure as a business analyst at Publix Supermarkets, Pam Cargo transitioned to nursing school. Her academic and professional career in the health care system includes attaining her R.N., master's, and finally a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Her expertise includes adult and pediatric cardiac critical care nursing, ECMO R.N., quality improvement, data analysis, and care transitions. Pam is currently the Senior Director of Care Transitions-Ambulatory. She has had previous leadership training through the UAB School of Nursing Doctorate program and the Healthcare Leadership Academy.
Ryan Chambers, J.D., MBA
Assistant Director of Administration
O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ryan Chambers, a Birmingham native, earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and a J.D. from Vermont Law. In 2012, he joined the UAB Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), primarily working with the federal team to steward grant and contract submissions. After supporting Hematology & Oncology as an officer with OSP, Ryan transitioned to the Comprehensive Cancer Center in 2014, where he served in roles related to pre- and post-award grant administration. He completed his MBA at UAB in 2015. In 2019, he became the Assistant Director of Administration for the Cancer Center to oversee the management of the NCI Cancer Center Core Support Grant (CCSG).
Mary Grace Cox, MPH, BSN, R.N.
Senior Director of Clinical Programs
Quality
Mary Grace Cox earned her BSN in 2011 and began her nursing career at UAB on the inpatient hematology and oncology unit, where she served as a bedside nurse and clinical care coordinator. In 2016, she transitioned to UAB’s Quality Department, starting as the Sepsis Coordinator and advancing through various leadership roles. Along the way, she earned her MPH in 2017 and a graduate certification in Healthcare Quality and Safety in 2018. She now serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Effectiveness and Analytics.
Hollyn Davis, MSN, R.N., MEDSURG-BC
Nurse Manager
Nursing – Transplant & General Services
Hollyn Davis is a Nurse Manager at UAB Hospital, where she leads the 32-bed Surgical Oncology & Hepatology Unit and oversees the hospital-wide Mobility Technicians. A nationally board-certified medical-surgical nurse, Hollyn brings over a decade of experience in acute care and nursing leadership. She is known for her integrity, data-driven problem-solving, and commitment to equitable, patient-centered care. Under her leadership, her unit has earned multiple UAB Quality Awards, including recognition for excellence in opioid stewardship and sepsis care. Hollyn serves as Chair of the Nurse Manager Council and Triad Leader for both the Surgical Oncology and Hepatology Accountable Care Teams. She holds a BSN, an MSN in Health Systems Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Safety—all from UAB.
Michael Denaburg, Pharm.D., MBA
Director
Pharmacy
Michael Denaburg currently serves as the Acute Care Pharmacy Director at UAB Hospital.. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Samford University in 2011. Since then, he has completed a PGY1 and PGY2 Critical Care ASHP–accredited residency programs and earned his Master’s in Business Administration from UAB. Throughout his career, he has continued to follow his passion for patient care and serving others, as well as helping to advance the practice of pharmacy.
Kayla Evans, BSN, MPH, R.N., CNOR, CSSM
Director
Perioperative Services
Kayla Evans serves as Director of Perioperative Services at UAB Hospital–Highlands, where she provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive surgical services program encompassing 16 operating rooms and over 100 employees. With nearly two decades at UAB, she has advanced through progressive leadership roles, including OR Team Leader and Assistant Nurse Manager. Kayla has successfully driven operational improvements that increased surgical access, enhanced financial performance, and strengthened patient safety outcomes. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives such as developing a Scrub Technologist Clinical Ladder, expanding robotic and spine surgery programs, and leading accreditation efforts, including Level 1 Trauma, Center for Bariatrics, and Magnet redesignations. A committed advocate for professional development and health equity, Kayla has participated in the Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders (DEAL) Cohort and was selected for the High Performing Care Collaborative (HPCC) Intensive. She actively contributes to UAB’s access and inclusion initiatives and has been recognized with the UAB VIP Award and the Quality Week Story Board Award.
Terri Franklin, MSHI
Director
Department of Radiology
Over the past 25 years, Terri Franklin has proudly served UAB, beginning her career in January 2000 at UAB Highlands—then still HealthSouth. Since that time, she has had the privilege of growing both personally and professionally, thanks to the mentorship and support of her leadership. Throughout her career, Terri has served in a variety of roles including staff radiologic/CT technologist, lead tech, supervisor, manager, and now director. Currently, she serves as the Radiology Director for both the North Pavilion and Highlands campuses. She is also proud to serve as co-chair of the Radiant division of Epic, where they are undertaking a two-year system-wide project to unify radiology processes across multiple campuses. In addition to her work with Epic, Terri actively engaged in efforts to strengthen recruitment and retention within Radiology. Alongside a dedicated team, she helps lead outreach efforts to radiology programs across Alabama, promote our profession, and introduce UAB as a top choice for employment. She has also had the distinct honor of presenting at the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) national meetings for the past two years.
Gerick Marshall, DNP, MSHQS, MSHA, MBA, CCRN, LSSGB
Nurse Manager
Trauma
Gerick Marshall, DNP, MSHQS, MSHA, MBA, CCRN, LSSGB, is a servant and transformational leader with over 30 years of healthcare experience dedicated to patient-centered care. Gerick is an avid life learner with a passion for innovative change management. He began his career with UAB as a Registered Nurse in 1997 as a Trauma and Burns ICU nurse. He has since been afforded more progressive roles,including education, quality improvement, patient safety, and management. His extensive background involves critical care, long-term and rehabilitation, psych, education, and professional development, as well as inclusive outcomes leadership and facilitation. In addition to Gerick’s clinical accomplishments, he has a strong background with operational efficiency, system process improvement, optimizing clinical outcomes, inclusion and access to care equity, creating healthy work environments, and improving employee engagement and development. In collaboration with the Clinical Transformation Team, he is responsible for opening and operating a 20-bed acute care Trauma unit in 2020. He is known for producing stellar quality outcome metrics and forming collaborative and inclusive interdisciplinary relationships.
Tapan Mehta, Ph.D., MSEE
Vice Chair for Research
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Tapan Mehta, Ph.D., MSEE, is a health services researcher with training in biostatistics and engineering. He currently serves as a tenured professor and vice chair for research in the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine with a secondary appointment in the Department of Health Services Administration and the Department of Biostatistics. He co-leads the Academic and Innovation committee within UAB’s Primary Care Service line and directs the Alabama Practice-Based Research Network. He has served as the Faculty Senate Chair and chaired the Faculty Senate Research Committee at UAB and nationally on The Obesity Society’s Finance Committee, Advocacy Committee, and Public Affairs Committee. He serves on the leadership of multiple federally funded Centers that support investigators across the campus and the nation, including early-stage investigators. This includes directing the Methods and Health Informatics core of the NIH-funded Building and Innovating: Digital Health Technology and Analytics and co-directing the NIH-funded Nutrition Obesity Research Center’s Behavioral Science and Analytics Core. He has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and authored/co-authored in journals such as JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, Obesity, Nature Genetics, and American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
John Brad Morrow, MSHQS, LSSGB
Associate Vice President
Food, Nutrition, & Guest Services
John Brad Morrow is an experienced healthcare executive serving as Associate Vice President at UAB Medicine, overseeing Food Services, Clinical Nutrition, and Guest Services. With over 20 years of leadership experience in both healthcare and retail operations, John is known for driving employee engagement, operational excellence, and patient satisfaction. He holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety from UAB and a business degree from the University of North Alabama. A dedicated leader, John is committed to creating high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, and advancing hospitality in healthcare.
Sam Pollock, MHA
Director-Clinical Administration
HSF Executive/Oral Surgery
Sam Pollock is an experienced healthcare administrator with a strong background in operational leadership within academic medical centers. Currently serving as the Director of Clinical Administration at the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, Sam oversees the strategic, operational, and financial management of multiple clinical departments, including Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Genetics, Camellia Medical Group, and the STEP Clinic, aligning departmental goals with institutional mission and priorities. Before this role, Sam served as Project Manager for Clinical Practice Operations at UAB Hospital, where he led systemwide process improvement initiatives, managed enhanced recovery programs, and facilitated operational efficiencies across multiple service lines. Sam also brings consulting experience from Deloitte, where he worked on healthcare workforce strategies, system implementations, and operational analyses to drive organizational performance and cost savings. Sam holds a Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Safety from UAB, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Mercer University. Throughout his career, Sam has demonstrated a commitment to advancing patient care, operational excellence, and academic mission support in complex healthcare environments.
Andrew Sullivan, DNP, CRNP
Director Peri-Anesthesia Services
Perioperative Services
Andrew J. Sullivan serves as the Director of Peri-Anesthesia Services at UAB, overseeing the Preoperative (Preop), Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and Preoperative Assessment, Consultation, and Treatment (PACT) Clinic at UAB and UAB Highlands. With 16 years of diverse nursing experience, Andrew began his career in 2009 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He started in the University Emergency Department before transitioning to the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit in 2010. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012 and worked as Dr. David Lemak’s Nurse Practitioner and first assist at Lemak Sports Medicine. In 2013, Andrew returned to UAB, resuming his work in critical care as a Nurse Practitioner in both the Neurosciences and Highlands Intensive Care Units. In 2018, he transitioned to the PACT Clinic, where he was quickly promoted from Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Lead to Clinic Manager. He was later named Director of Peri-Anesthesia Services, where he continues to lead clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration across the perioperative continuum.
Whitney Turner, M.D.
Assistant Professor, DVO, Highlands ED Medical Director
Department of Emergency Medicine
Whitney Turner, M.D., is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at UAB and a native of Birmingham.. She has served as medical director of the Highlands Emergency Department for three years, following her prior role as assistant medical director. Dr. Turner is a member of the department's wellness committee. She is also an associate vice chair and a member of the executive team in the Department of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Turner contributes to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Quality & Patient Safety Committee and serves as the Department Value Officer (DVO) for her department as part of UAB’s CQMO structure. She is a graduate of the UAB Graduate Quality Academy. Dr. Turner completed her emergency medicine residency at UAB, earned her medical degree from UAB, and holds an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Alabama.
Benjamin von Schweinitz, M.D.
Vice Chair of Operations
Department of Emergency Medicine
Benjamin von Schweinitz, M.D., graduated from medical school and completed an Internship in Internal Medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Afterward, he completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, the largest health care system in the Department of Defense, where he served as the Chief Resident in 2014. He then went on to an assignment under Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) with the Special Operations Surgical Team (SOST) based out of Hulbert Field, Florida. During this time, he deployed to various austere environments supporting US and coalition troops. After separating from active duty, he became an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UAB, where he currently serves as the interim Vice-Chair of Operations. Prior to this role, he was the medical director for UAB Gardendale, the state’s largest freestanding ED, and the director of quality and safety for the ED. He has focused his work on improving care of patients with acute coronary syndrome as well as working with the Division of Trauma, serving as an instructor for Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Basic Endovascular Skills in Trauma (BEST), and serving as a reserve sheriff with Jefferson County. In addition to being a Fellow with the American College of Emergency Physicians, he is certified in Hyperbaric Medicine, where he cares for patients in the UAB Russell Wound Care Center, and was previously involved in the Hospital’s Hypothermia Service. Currently, he is involved in research on team dynamics and communication. He has completed the High Performing Care Collaborative (HPCC)Course, Quality Academy, and is currently working on his master’s in healthcare quality through UAB. He has experience in event medicine, previously supporting the 2022 World Games, and currently supports NASCAR, serving on medical staff during Talladega race week. Also, he works in the prehospital environment through a joint partnership with AirMed International, transporting critically ill patients overseas. He has been honored with multiple teaching awards for resident education and service to the department.
Ashley Williamson, MSHA, LAT, ATC
Director of Strategic Initiative
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Ashley Williamson is a healthcare administrator and certified athletic trainer with a background in clinical operations, strategic program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She is the Administrative Manager for UAB Sports and Exercise Medicine, supporting business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and community health efforts across the departments of Family & Community Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery. Ashley holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from UAB and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from The University of Alabama, allowing her to bring clinical insight and operational leadership to my role. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to lead medical operations for large-scale events such as the World Games, the Transplant Games of America, and the United Football League, while also contributing to quality improvement projects within UAB Medicine. Ashley is passionate about strategic growth, expanding healthcare access, and building collaborative, innovative teams that drive meaningful impact across our institution and the communities we serve.
Tomeka Wilson, MPH
JHS Administrative Director
Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Sciences
Tomeka Wilson, MPH, is an accomplished healthcare administrator with over 15 years of experience in clinical research management, research administration, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as the Executive Administrator for the Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science (DBIDS) at UAB, where she oversees fiscal operations, research infrastructure, and strategic planning for multimillion-dollar budgets and interdisciplinary teams. Tomeka holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Organization and Policy from UAB and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Her career spans diverse leadership roles, including department fiscal administration, grant portfolio oversight, HR, and Operations. She is a dedicated advocate for organizational efficiency and inclusive leadership.She is recognized for her strategic problem-solving skills, operational excellence, and commitment to service and community development.
Allan Zajac, Ph.D.
Professor, Vice Chair for Strategic Planning, Finance, and Research, & Vice Chair HSOM Faculty Council
Department of Microbiology
Allan J. Zajac, Ph.D., is a professor in the UAB Department of Microbiology, where he serves as Vice Chair for Strategic Planning, Finance, and Research, as well as the Vice Chair of the Heersink School of Medicine Faculty Council. He obtained a B.S. in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK, and earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University under Dr. Rafi Ahmed, where he made ground-breaking discoveries on T cell exhaustion. Since joining UAB in 1999, he has become a leading figure in viral immunology, with research focused on the regulation and function of CD4 and CD8 T cells during acute and chronic infections. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of T cell exhaustion and its implications for combating chronic diseases and cancer. Zajac is also a Senior Scientist in the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the UAB Center for AIDS Research, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and the Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC). He serves on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Faculty Senate.
Learn more about the Leadership Development Office and its programs at Leadership Development Office - Heersink School of Medicine | UAB.