Who: Deborah Davis, 59
New role: CEO of VCU Health System Hospitals and Clinics, an academic medical center based in Richmond, Va., effective Oct. 1. She also was appointed VP for clinical affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Davis will succeed John Duval, who is retiring after 13 years with the system.
Background: Previously was COO for nine years at the three-hospital system. Before joining VCU, Davis was president of Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C., the flagship of University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina, now Vidant Health. She worked at the system for 30 years.
Community outreach: Davis said she plans to prioritize population health in her new role. The system's flagship facility, VCU Medical Center in downtown Richmond, is the city's safety net hospital. The system has already implemented the Virginia Coordinated Care Program, which provides access to affordable healthcare for uninsured individuals. “A lot of my efforts will be to continue community partnerships, which we see as an opportunity to improve wellness.”
Construction plans: VCU Health System will undergo a $1.3 billion remodel of most of its main campus buildings. The remodel—still in the planning stages—will include a new North Hospital facility and new ambulatory clinics.