May 10, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB Health System Chief Executive Officer David Hoidal has appointed Joan C. Hicks as the Health System’s new chief information officer.

In this capacity, Hicks is responsible for planning and implementing information technology and information management strategies to support the Health System’s mission and goals. This includes ensuring an effective computing environment for UABHS patient care and administrative support activities at UAB Hospital, The Kirklin Clinic and UAB Highlands, as well as close IT coordination with other UABHS entities. Among Hicks’ specific duties is providing support for UAB’s ongoing compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA.

“We were very fortunate to have Joan Hicks as an exceptionally strong internal candidate for this key leadership role within the UAB Health System,” Hoidal said. “Her extensive UAB IT experience, combined with her knowledge and training, are certain to serve us well.”

Hicks joined the UABHS in 1998 as director of Health System Information Services and became the interim CIO in December 2004. She received her Master of Science degree in health information management from UAB in 1994.