Tom Hughes was named president and COO of Raleigh, N.C.-based UNC Health Rex.
Mr. Hughes oversees UNC Health Rex and UNC Health Rex Holly Springs (N.C.) hospitals, according to a Sept. 15 news release. He joined UNC Health Rex in late 2025 and succeeds Chad Setliff, now regional president of UNC Health’s Triangle region.
He has nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience across hospital and health system operations, population health, physician services and strategic growth, according to the release. He previously served as health system senior vice president and administrator at WakeMed Cary (N.C.).
“This is an exciting and important time for UNC Health Rex, as we plan for future growth and ensure we are ready to provide excellent care for all of our patients and their families,” Mr. Hughes said in the release.
UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Hospital recently opened a 24-bed unit on its top floor, and planning is underway for a new patient bed tower and other expansions at the Raleigh campus.
UNC Health Rex is part of Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health, which operates 20 hospitals and hundreds of clinics statewide.
