UAB Hospital CEO Brenda Carlisle to Retire in 2026

Michelle Fortune will step into the role of interim CEO at the Birmingham medical facility this November.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People

UAB Hospital CEO Brenda Carlisle to Retire in 2026

Brenda Carlisle will retire as the CEO of UAB Hospital at the end of 2026. Michelle Fortune is set to assume the position of interim CEO starting November 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The transition marks a significant shift in leadership for one of the largest medical providers in the United States. Carlisle will remain with UAB Medicine through the end of 2026 to facilitate the transfer of responsibilities to the new interim leadership.

Michelle Fortune brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to her new role as interim CEO. UAB Hospital maintains its status as the fifth-largest medical facility in the United States.

The players

Brenda Carlisle

She serves as the current CEO of UAB Hospital and will retire at the end of 2026.

Michelle Fortune

She is the executive vice president of Hospital Operations at UAB and will become interim CEO in November 2026.

The details

Michelle Fortune currently serves as the executive vice president of Hospital Operations at UAB. She will take over daily operations while Carlisle focuses on the transition process.

November 1, 2026: Michelle Fortune becomes interim CEO.
December 31, 2026: Brenda Carlisle retires.

Market Landscape

This leadership succession aligns with established administrative planning at major American health systems. The move ensures continuity at UAB Hospital as it maintains its competitive standing among the nation's largest medical facilities.

Patients and community members should expect hospital operations to continue as scheduled during the transition period. The leadership change is internal and is not expected to result in changes to existing patient care services.

The takeaway

The appointment of an internal leader like Michelle Fortune often signals an emphasis on organizational stability. Stakeholders can anticipate a focus on maintaining existing service standards throughout the transition.