John D. McConnell, M.D., spent his professional career in academic medicine, first as a physician-scientist in the field of urology, and later as the chief executive of the University of Texas Southwestern Health System, and more recently the CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and EVP for Health Affairs for Wake Forest University. After retiring from WF Baptist leadership in 2017, he returned to full-time teaching and patient care until his full retirement in 2024 as professor emeritus.
Dr. McConnell graduated from the University of Kansas and subsequently, Loyola-Stritch School of Medicine magna cum laude. His research contributions in urology led to over 100 publications, election to the National Academy of Medicine, as well as the Barringer and Fuller awards from the preeminent urology organizations. He has served on many professional and civic boards, including the National Institute of Health Advisory Council, the N.C. Healthcare Association (chair), Salem Academy and College (vice chair) and the United Way of Forsyth County Capital Campaign (chair). He and his wife, Melinda, are active in the Winston-Salem arts community, serving in both board and philanthropic roles. They have an adult daughter, Cara, who lives in Austin, Texas.