Chris Vernaci

Chris Vernaci is Associate Vice President of Technology Ventures at Universal Health Services (UHS), where he leads the strategic direction of emerging technology investments, partnerships, and innovation initiatives across one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. In this role, he focuses on identifying and scaling high-impact solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence, that improve clinical outcomes, optimize revenue cycle performance, and enhance operational efficiency across UHS’s acute and behavioral health network.

Chris operates at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and business transformation. He works closely with executive leadership to evaluate and deploy enterprise-wide innovations, while also fostering partnerships with leading technology companies to bring scalable solutions into real-world care environments. He additionally provides direction for Crossings Healthcare Solutions, a UHS subsidiary focused on commercializing clinical decision support innovations and advancing next-generation capabilities in clinical, ERP, and RCM systems.

Prior to UHS, Chris spent more than 16 years at Oracle Health (formerly Cerner), where he was a top-performing executive recognized for driving revenue growth, leading complex transformations, and building high-value client relationships across large health systems. During his tenure, he contributed to more than $1 billion in revenue and played a pivotal role in shaping enterprise strategies, optimizing operations, and aligning technology investments with measurable business outcomes.

A graduate of Truman State University, Chris is also committed to community impact and serves on the Board of Directors for First Call, supporting addiction awareness and prevention initiatives.