AUSTIN, TX – The University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife and UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas MD announce the appointment of Brian Dean, MBA, MPH, as the UT System’s new Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs effective August 1, 2026. Dean is a nationally respected healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience in leading the most complex areas of the health enterprise ranging from clinical administration to operational and financial systems, and transformative business models to elevate academic health institutions. Dean’s expertise has been widely sought throughout the UT System as evidenced by his current roles as Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UTHealth Houston, Interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UT Rio Grande Valley, and Strategic Advisor to the UT System Office of Health Affairs on clinical functions across UT health-related institutions.

Eltife praised Dean’s record of accomplishments already underway at the UT System. “The UT System’s role in healthcare, research and education is growing at an accelerated pace as we serve the people of Texas. Brian has proven to be incredibly valuable in providing highly specialized support to our UT physician presidents and deans as they grow their health enterprises.  He is already steeped in a host of institutional growth initiatives, academic partnerships, and large-scale capital projects at UT institutions, and the presidents are appreciative of the unique skills he brings to the table.” 

Zerwas echoed Chairman Eltife’s sentiments. “Brian’s extraordinary knowledge and skills complement the expertise of my colleagues in our health affairs office. As the UT System supports the strategic plans of UT presidents, navigating the ever-evolving complexities of the healthcare system is an area that requires our full attention, and Brian has been an important partner to me and to UT health and academic campuses in this area.”

In addition to his roles across the UT System, Dean has held senior leadership positions at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Sutter Health in California, Jackson Health System in Florida, and the University of Kentucky's Chandler Hospital.

“I’m deeply honored to assume this new role,” said Dean. “My familiarity with the UT System and its institutions will allow me to move seamlessly and expeditiously into this new position as we continue to expand our work across the state as the leading provider of world class healthcare, education and research to Texans.”

Dean serves on the board of Houston Hospice and has served on a number of healthcare and academic advisory and governance boards. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. 

Dean earned a Bachelor of Health Science and a Master of Public Health from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami.