Memorial Hermann Names New CFO, Sets Off Chain of Promotions

The new top finance executive was hired by the system five years ago. His promotion sets off a chain of leadership changes.

The current CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System's flagship campus in Houston has been promoted to chief financial officer for the whole system, the organization announced Thursday.

Brian Dean, who has been serving as CEO of the Texas Medical Center campus and as executive vice president of academic affairs and service lines for the system, joined the organization in 2013 as Texas Medical Center's CFO. He was promoted to campus CEO in 2015.

The Interview: Memorial Hermann CEO Chuck Stokes

Dean's promotion will take effect August 1, setting off a chain of leadership changes.

• His predecessor: Dean will take over for current Memorial Hermann Health System CFO Carrol Aulbaugh, as the Houston Business Journal reported. A spokesperson for the system confirmed to HealthLeaders Media that Aulbaugh will pass the baton to Dean.
   
• His successor: The vacancy Dean leaves behind at Texas Medical Center will be filled by Greg Haralson, who is currently senior vice president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. Haralson will be a senior vice president and CEO for the campus, the organization said.
   
• His successor's successor: The vacancy Haralson leaves behind at the Southwest and Sugar Land hospitals will be filled by Malisha Patel, who is currently vice president of operations for Memorial Hermann Southwest. Patel will be a senior vice president and CEO of both the Southwest and Sugar Land hospitals, the organization said.
   
• His successes: The statement released by Memorial Hermann praised Dean for his work history and on-the-job accomplishments, specifically citing his oversight of the Breaking New Ground project, a collection of major construction and renovation projects across five locations.

"During their tenures with our organization, each of these executives have demonstrated remarkable leadership capabilities, inspiring and engaging their employees to reach above and beyond to deliver the utmost in safe, high-quality care rooted in our promise to advance the health and wellness of Greater Houston," Memorial Hermann President and CEO Chuck Stokes said in a statement.

"Their commitment to our patients, physician partners, employees and the organization as a whole has been paramount in helping Memorial Hermann achieve several notable successes, including national recognition for our care and operational excellence."

Editor's note: A previous version of this story, citing the Houston Business Journal, stated incorrectly that Carrol Aulbaugh has announced his retirement. A spokesperson for Memorial Hermann says Aulbaugh's next steps have yet to be determined. Both this story and the Journal's story have been updated.