Damron named chief financial officer for University Medicine Division of Banner Health; Teresi to serve as interim

Greg Damron, interim executive vice president for finance and chief financial officer for Augusta University and Augusta University Health System, has been named chief financial officer for the University Medicine Division of Banner Health, which operates the academic medical centers and medical group in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. His last day with AU Health is April 15.

“Greg has been a valued member of our leadership team, and I am thankful for his commitment and service to our health system,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “His efforts to strategically strengthen our financial platform have positioned us well for future investment and expansion.”

Since joining AU Health in 2008, Damron has overseen the alignment of clinical finances and administrative activities under a unified health system structure, two successful bond issuances, a revamping of revenue cycle operation and an expansion of the health system’s ambulatory care offerings.

“The decision to leave AU Health and the city of Augusta – a place I’ve called home for the past 11 years – was not easy,” Damron said. “But I know that our health system will continue to thrive in the hands of our dedicated leadership team. I look forward to taking the experience I have gained in Augusta and applying it to another innovative academic health care environment.”

Until a new chief financial officer is identified, Mark Teresi, a health care executive with more than 30 years’ experience, will serve as interim chief financial officer for AU Health.

“Mark has a strong track record of success, and I am confident that his interim leadership will allow us to continue to pursue our strategic goals,” Keel said.

Teresi has served in senior financial leadership roles with Baylor Scott & White Health, Texas Health Resources, Parkland Health and Hospital System, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Gundersen Health System.

Teresi is a certified public accountant and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Boston College and an MBA with a concentration in health services management from the University of Dallas.

Damron’s responsibilities for the Augusta University Police Department and the Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response will transition to Lee Fruitticher, vice president for finance at Augusta University.