Greensboro, North Carolina-based Cone Health has appointed Dr. Paul Krakovitz, a seasoned physician-executive with leadership experience at Intermountain Health and Cleveland Clinic, as its next CEO, effective March 16, 2026. He succeeds interim CEO Bernie Sherry, following the departure of Mary Jo Cagle, MD, earlier in 2025.
Glimpse:
Following a nationwide search, Dr. Krakovitz a practicing pediatric otolaryngologist and former Desert Region president at Intermountain Health will lead Cone Health, a Risant Health affiliate focused on value-based care. With over 13,000 employees and 150 physician practices, the system aims to accelerate community-centered initiatives under his mission-driven leadership.
Cone Health, a leading regional health system in North Carolina and part of Risant Health (a Kaiser Foundation Hospitals nonprofit), has selected Dr. Paul Krakovitz as its new chief executive officer. The appointment, announced on December 23, 2025, concludes a comprehensive nationwide search and positions Dr. Krakovitz to steer the organization into its next phase of growth in value-based care.
Dr. Krakovitz brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership, blending clinical expertise as a pediatric otolaryngologist with executive roles at nationally recognized systems. Most recently an executive-in-residence at Cressey & Company, he previously served as Desert Region president and senior vice president at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, alongside positions as chief medical officer and vice president of specialty-based care. Earlier, he held clinical and operational leadership at the Cleveland Clinic.
He will assume the role on March 16, 2026, succeeding Bernie Sherry, who has served as interim CEO since June 1, 2025, after Dr. Mary Jo Cagle stepped down.
Cone Health, employing over 13,000 people, operates multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities, emphasizing primary and specialty care through Cone Health Medical Group and Triad HealthCare Network. As part of Risant Health, the system is committed to scaling value-based models to improve community health outcomes.
Leadership praised Dr. Krakovitz’s alignment with the organization’s values and his potential to advance patient-centered, innovative care.
“Krakovitz is a thoughtful, mission-driven leader who will guide Cone Health into its next chapter with passion and vision, accelerating value-based care for our communities.”
By
HB Team
