Since joining Emory Healthcare on Oct. 1, 2025, Russell has guided enterprise strategy, business development and strategic partnerships. While continuing in his role as chief strategy officer and now interim chief financial officer, Russell will work to connect strategic priorities with operational and financial discipline to support Emory Healthcare’s long-term success.

 

“David is a seasoned health care executive who will bridge finance and strategy in this expanded role to ensure that planning, priorities and execution are connected across the enterprise,” says Joon S. Lee, MD, executive vice president for Woodruff Health Sciences of Emory University and CEO of Emory Healthcare. “We are grateful to Pat for his guidance, service and contributions as chief financial officer, and we wish him the best as he moves into retirement.”

 

Russell brings more than 25 years of experience at leading academic medical centers and integrated delivery systems, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco. In these roles, he has helped advance growth and operational excellence.

 

“I am honored to take on the position of interim chief financial officer for Emory Healthcare,” says Russell. “Aligning our strategy and finance operations will support our mission moving forward, with both operational growth and financial discipline intertwined. 

 

Russell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

 

To support a smooth transition, McCabe will remain as an advisor to Russell through Dec. 31, 2026.