Kimberly Hunter, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC has been named interim CEO of UI Hospitals & Clinics starting March 1, 2022, following the departure of Suresh Gunasekaran.

Hunter currently serves as chief nurse executive of UI Hospitals & Clinics.

“Kim has shown outstanding leadership since joining the senior hospital management team and will do well to continue our patient care mission, COVID-19 response, and clinical and growth initiatives,” says J. Brooks Jackson, MD, MBA, Vice President for Medical Affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean, Carver College of Medicine.

Hunter has more than 30 years of health care management experience—including nearly 20 years collective experience at Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead UI Hospitals & Clinics through this interim period while also remaining rooted in nursing,” says Hunter. “I’m fortunate to have outstanding and supportive hospital and nursing leadership teams to continue our patient care mission and stay focused on steady progress of our shared goals.”

Gunasekaran will continue to lead UI Hospitals & Clinics through his departure at the end of February, working closely with Hunter to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Jackson expects to soon announce the search chair and committee that will commence a national search for the permanent CEO position.