Mark D. Birdwhistell currently serves as the Vice President for Health System Administration & Chief of Staff for the University of Kentucky HealthCare. In this capacity, he provides executive leadership in administration and strategic direction across the clinical enterprise, collaborating effectively with physicians and other leadership of the healthcare team. Mr. Birdwhistell is also responsible for the development and oversight of UK HealthCare, clinical outreach and development initiatives including clinical co-management approaches.  In addition he provides direction and oversight to marketing and public relations.  He represents UK HealthCare at the local, state and national levels, and serves as a national speaker on healthcare policy and Medicaid reform efforts. This was evident as he was chosen by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin to lead the effort to transform Kentucky’s Medicaid expansion program.

Prior to this position, Birdwhistell served in senior leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including Secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Chief Executive Officer for CHA Health. He has over 40 years’ experience in healthcare, with specific expertise in Medicaid policy.

Birdwhistell earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Kentucky Martin School for Public Policy and undergraduate degree from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky.