University of Alabama at Birmingham John H. Blue Chair of General Surgery Dr. Gregory Kennedy, has been named executive vice chair of the UAB Department of Surgery.

In his role, Kennedy will work closely with department administration to guide operations and oversee strategic development and planning. He will partner with division directors and department vice chairs to support mission needs, advocate on behalf of the department, and work closely with Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of the Department of Surgery Dr. Herbert Chen and Executive Administrator Mary McDougal on growth projects.

“Over the past seven years, Dr. Kennedy has continually invested in the growth and development of the division of GI Surgery,” says Chen. “We are fortunate to have his continued leadership in the Department of Surgery and look forward to all that he will accomplish in his new role.”

As executive vice chair, Kennedy will retain his clinical practice but will make plans to transition away from his division director role. He will serve as interim division director during transition planning and while a search for division director is conducted.

A dedicated researcher and former president of the Society of University Surgeons, Kennedy has long been an advocate for health policy advancements in patient safety and health equity. Kennedy has also facilitated the expansion of clinical services to rural Alabama communities to bolster cancer screenings and routine procedure offerings.

“I am honored to be chosen for this opportunity and to continue the legacy of excellence and advocacy established by my predecessors,” says Kennedy. “Our faculty and staff go above and beyond to provide the absolute best care possible to our patients, and I am proud to support them and their hard work through this position.”

Editor's Note: "Dr. Gregory Kennedy has stepped down from the role of division director of Gastrointestinal Surgery to fully integrate into his new position as executive vice chair of the Department of Surgery. A search for a new division director is underway with Dr. Vikas Dudeja serving as chair of the search committee."