Megan Phillips has been named the next chief administrative officer for Duke Neurosurgery and Duke Neurology, effective December 1, 2025.
Phillips has been with Duke Neurology for 15 years, with the last three as the department's chief administrative officer.
“I’m honored and excited to expand my role as the chief administrative officer to include both neurology and neurosurgery," Phillips said. "Supporting these two dynamic departments at Duke, each with a strong history of excellence in patient care, research, and education is a privilege. I look forward to cultivating collaboration, driving strategic growth, and continuing to support clinician-scientists in their vital work.”
Phillips follows Kathy Tobin, who is retiring from her role at the end of November after 17 years at Duke.
“It has been an honor to work alongside such an exceptional team and to support the Department of Neurosurgery. I’m confident the department will continue to thrive under Megan Phillips’s capable leadership and am grateful to leave it in such good hands,” Tobin said.
"We're grateful for Kathy's leadership and expertise. She has been a vital part of Duke Neurosurgery," said department chair Gerald Grant, MD. "This is an exciting time for Duke Neurosurgery and Duke Neurology. Kathy and I have been meeting with Megan and neurology chair Dr. Rich O’Brien regularly over the last couple years to more closely align our missions in neuroscience. We look forward to continued partnership with Megan and to continue driving innovation in neurosciences."
Phillips held multiple leadership roles within Duke Neurology including senior business manager and financial management analyst. Prior to Duke, Phillips performed risk-based financial audits across various industries at McGladrey & Pullen, LLP. Phillips is a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Academy of Neurology. She holds a master's degree in accounting a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Duke Neurosurgery will soon launch a search for an associate chief administrative officer who will work closely with Phillips and both departments.