Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has appointed David W. Zaas, M.D., M.B.A., as chief executive officer of the health system, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Dr. Zaas will continue to serve in his previous roles as president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, a part of Advocate Health, and executive vice president for clinical health affairs at Wake Forest University.
As CEO, Dr. Zaas will oversee patient care services, clinical operations and strategic growth for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. He will also lead efforts to align clinical and academic priorities across Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in collaboration with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, fueling the enterprise’s academic core and learning health system model.
“Dr. Zaas brings a proven track record of compassionate, influential leadership that will further enhance care and health outcomes for the communities we serve in and around Winston-Salem," said Steve Smoot, president of Advocate Health’s North Carolina and Georgia Division. “Dr. Zaas' deep clinical expertise and commitment to excellence strengthens our organization and advances our mission.”
Dr. Zaas succeeds Dr. Julie Ann Freischlag, who retired at the end of 2025 and has transitioned to a new ambassador role at Advocate Health.
Dr. Zaas is a pulmonary and critical care physician and holds a faculty appointment as professor of internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.
“The strength of our organization comes from the close integration of our clinical and academic missions,” Dr. Zaas said. “That alignment allows us to improve patient care, advance research and educate the next generation of health professionals.”
Advocate Health recently announced that Ebony Boulware, M.D., M.P.H., has been named chief academic officer of the enterprise and will continue to serve as dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine – the academic core of Advocate Health. As dean, Dr. Boulware leads the two campuses of the school of medicine. As chief academic officer, she oversees our graduate medical education programs, allied health and continuing medical education programs, and other academic affairs.
“Dr. Zaas is a staunch advocate for advancing our shared focus on academic excellence and innovation to provide the best health care possible as we seek to improve the health of our patients and our communities,” Dr. Boulware said.
“This marks a celebration of amazing accomplishments and the promise of continued excellence that has been Dr. Freischlag’s trademark,” said Dr. Zaas, who also holds a faculty appointment as professor of internal medicine at the school of medicine. “I am excited for this incredible opportunity to further advance scientific discovery, transform medical education and provide world-class care that improves health, for all, across our communities.”