UAB Health System names John Petrov as CHRO

UAB Health System has named a new chief human resources officer, bringing 20 years of talent in the human resources space to the enterprise. 
Stream Petrov John Portrait 4543 CLR 0129Photo Credit: John Petrov

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System has announced a key leadership appointment, naming John Petrov chief human resources officer, effective Jan. 22, 2024.

Petrov brings more than 20 years of experience in various human resources roles to the position, coming to the UAB Health System from Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, where he served as senior vice president/chief human resources officer.

“John brings a wealth of experience to UAB Medicine, along with a proven track record of fostering a positive workplace culture and driving strategic HR initiatives,” said UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella. “As we continue to prioritize the well-being and development of our employees, he will play a pivotal role in shaping our human capital strategy. I am confident that his leadership will contribute significantly to our continued success.” 

In his role at VCU Health, Petrov oversaw human resources services for the $3.2 billion integrated and multi-site academic health system with more than 14,000 employees. Prior to his time at VCU Health, Petrov was executive vice president and chief caregiver officer at The Guthrie Clinic, a rural health care system serving the residents of the Twin Tiers region of northern Pennsylvania and south central New York through a network of five hospitals and more than 325 community clinics, physician practices and specialty care facilities. 

“I’m excited to join an organization that is already doing great things and am looking forward to being part of the future of this health system and all that it has to offer to the residents of Alabama and beyond,” Petrov said. “Our greatest asset is our people, and I want to make sure that, whether it’s our workforce strategies, our people strategies or other initiatives, we are really focusing on our people and our patients, who are at the center of all we do.”

UAB Medicine welcomed almost 2 million patient visits last year and continues to expand its presence throughout the state to improve access to health care for Alabamians. Last year, the UAB Health System generated $6.4 billion in statewide economic impact and supported or sustained more than 57,100 jobs in Alabama.

The UAB Health System includes UAB Hospital, UAB Hospital-Highlands, the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, affiliate relationships with Medical West and Baptist Health Montgomery, and management relationships with Russell Medical, J. Paul Jones, Whitfield Regional, Northwest Regional Health and Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama. The system also includes Cooper Green Mercy Health Services and the UAB Health System/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance.