Brenda Carlisle, chief executive officer of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, has announced she will retire at the end of 2026. The university has selected Michelle Fortune, executive vice president of hospital operations, to serve as interim CEO.
Carlisle was named interim CEO of UAB Hospital in November 2022 and was promoted to permanent CEO in March 2023. Prior to her interim appointment, she served five years as vice president of clinical operations for UAB Hospital. Earlier, Carlisle was chief operating officer, vice president of patient care services, and vice president of operations at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a master of health science degree from St. Francis University.
“Serving as CEO of UAB Hospital has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Carlisle. “I have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary physicians, nurses and employees who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our patients and to one another. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the relationships and experiences that have made my time here so meaningful. I have great confidence in Michelle and her ability to lead UAB Hospital forward. Her experience, vision and commitment to our mission will serve the organization well, and I look forward to supporting her and our community hospital leaders during the months ahead.”
A member of the UAB Hospital administration since 2025, Fortune brings more than 25 years of healthcare leadership experience to her interim role. Before joining UAB, she served as ministry president of surgery and gastroenterology for Mercy, a 53-hospital integrated health system spanning four states. She previously held executive positions with Atrium Health, including hospital CEO and systemwide service line leadership roles. Fortune holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Carolina University and an MBA from Western Governors University.
“I am honored and excited to take on this new responsibility and to continue working alongside the exceptional teams at UAB Hospital,” said Fortune. “Brenda has provided remarkable leadership to this organization, and I am grateful for the foundation she has established and the opportunity to work closely with her during this transition. UAB Hospital has an extraordinary mission and a talented, dedicated team. I look forward to building on our accomplishments and the excellent care our patients and communities depend on.”