The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Pediatrics is pleased to welcome Rich Lee, MHA, as its new executive administrator.
In this role, Lee will help oversee the department’s operational and financial strategy in support of its clinical, research and education while helping advance strategic priorities across Pediatrics.
Lee joins UAB from the Medical University of South Carolina, where he spent 16 years in progressive leadership roles across multiple departments, including surgery, medicine, ophthalmology and pediatrics. Most recently, he served as vice chair of finance and administration for the Department of Pediatrics, where he provided leadership for more than 20 divisions and helped support over 300 faculty and advanced practice providers.
“What attracted me to UAB Pediatrics was its national reputation and its strong partnership with Children’s of Alabama,” said Lee. “I’m most excited about working with all of the great people across the department, Heersink School of Medicine and Children’s of Alabama.”
Throughout his career, Lee has led strategic growth and operational improvements across large academic health systems while supporting faculty and staff through periods of expansion. As he begins his time at UAB, Lee said his initial focus will be understanding the unique needs of each team within the department.
“My top priority is simply to listen and learn as much as possible about how each unique division and team operates and what their needs are,” Lee explained. “From there, I’m excited to partner with division and department leaders to help set goals and priorities.”
Lee describes his leadership style as relationship-driven and grounded in trust, communication and integrity.
“My leadership style is rooted in two main focuses: building strong relationships and trust, and having open and clear communication,” said Lee. “My values were shaped by a leader I worked with years ago who emphasized integrity, honesty and doing the hard right over the easy wrong.”
When asked what success looks like in this role, Lee emphasized creating alignment across the department to better serve patients and families.
“Success means bringing together the many groups and individuals across UAB and Children’s of Alabama to move the department forward for the betterment of our faculty, staff and patients,” Lee added. “I’m passionate about children’s health care, and meeting the needs of our community will take all of us working together.”
Outside of work, Lee enjoys running and spending time with his family, including his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Rosemary and Benjamin.
Lee hopes colleagues across the department will see him as approachable and eager to connect.
“I hope people come to know me as approachable, available and happy to help however I can,” said Lee. “I also love pastries and coffee, so I’m always available for a walk to Starbucks.”
After years of visiting Birmingham with his family, Lee said they are excited to officially call the city home.
“Leaving MUSC meant saying goodbye to many meaningful professional relationships and friendships,” said Lee. “But I’m looking forward to building new relationships at UAB and in the Birmingham community.”