Leadership Team

William Thoma, MBA, CPA

Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Bill Thoma joined UNC Health Wayne in 2018, bringing decades of financial leadership experience with expertise in accounting, reimbursement and audit in both health care and insurance. Bill provides technical and managerial support to the UNC Health Wayne executive team and Board of Directors, promoting and maintaining strong financial controls and monitoring the supporting execution of strategic goals.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bill previously served as Vice President of Finance at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pocono, Pennsylvania. He holds an MBA from DeSales University in Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rowan University in New Jersey.

Brian Fillipo, MD, MMM, FACP

Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Brian Fillipo joined the UNC Health Wayne team in 2020, with over 25 years in executive leadership. Responsible for advancing the Mission through relationships with providers and ensuring a collaborative approach to quality, safety and strategic imperatives, Dr. Fillipo has a strong track record of improvements in length of stay, infections, falls, readmissions and other key quality indicators. He also maintains executive responsibility for medical staff affairs, care coordination, quality, safety, performance improvement and graduate medical education.

He has his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Howard Whitfield, OTR/L, MHA

Chief Operating Officer

Part of the UNC Health Wayne team for over 19 years, Howard Whitfield assumed the role of Vice President, Clinical Operations in 2020, overseeing imaging, pharmacy, wound care, laboratory services and cardiopulmonary services.

Beginning his career as an Occupational Therapist, Howard has risen through the ranks, leading enhancements in the quality of clinical services at Wayne UNC. Howard has a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University and a Masters in Health Care Administration from Pfeiffer University.

Doug Harrison, MSA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPC

Vice President, Human Resources 

Doug Harrison joined the UNC Health Wayne team in December 2022. With over 29 years of proven success in Human Resources, Doug has extensive experience in engaging teammates and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Doug earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelors of Arts in Human Resource Administration. Additionally, Doug holds a Senior Certified Professional HR certification from the Society of Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute.