UNC Health Rex Names Tom Hughes as President, COO

Hughes oversees Raleigh and Holly Springs hospitals amid expansion plans

RALEIGH, N.C. – Sept. 15, 2026 – UNC Health Rex recently named Tom Hughes as its new president and chief operating officer.

In that role, Hughes oversees the UNC Health Rex and Holly Springs hospitals. Hughes, who joined UNC Health Rex in late 2025, steps into the role previously held by Chad Setliff, who is now Regional President, UNC Health Triangle Region.

“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,” Hughes said.

UNC Health Rex continues to expand to keep up with increasing demand in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions. UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Hospital recently opened a new, 24-bed unit on its top floor to expand capacity and improve access. At UNC Health Rex’s Raleigh campus, planning is underway for a new patient bedtower and other expansions.

“Tom’s focus on quality and safety, physician partnership, teammate engagement, patient and family experience, and operational excellence will help continue UNC Health Rex’s trajectory as one of the nation’s leading hospitals,” Setliff said.

UNC Health Rex continues to receive numerous accolades as one of the best hospitals in North Carolina as recognized by Newsweek, US News, Business North Carolina and others. UNC Health Rex is one of only a handful of hospitals statewide to be recognized as a top, 5-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which measures hospital quality and safety to help consumers make informed choices.

Hughes brings nearly 30 years of executive leadership experience spanning hospital and health system operations, population health, physician services, and strategic growth. Prior to joining UNC Health, Tom served as Health System Senior Vice President and Administrator at WakeMed Cary.

Hughes earned a B.S., Health Care Management, from Southern Illinois University, and a Masters of Health Care Administration from Baylor University.

He serves on the Carying Place Board and is immediate Past-Chairman of the Cary Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

About UNC Health

UNC Health is North Carolina’s academic health system, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all North Carolinians through patient care, education, research, and community engagement. With a statewide network of 20 hospitals, hundreds of clinics, and an affiliation with the UNC School of Medicine, UNC Health serves communities across the state with a mission-driven, not-for-profit approach focused on quality, access, and innovation. For more information, please visit unchealth.org .