Department Celebrates Retirement of James Carnes, RN, UVA Radiology Administrator

On Thursday, July 31, the department held a celebration for Medical Center Administrator James Carnes, RN, who retired on August 1 after more than three decades of dedicated service to UVA Health.

Carnes began his journey at the University of Virginia in 1985 as a staff nurse on the cardiac step-down unit. Over the years, he progressed through his career with numerous outstanding accolades — from administrative head nurse in the cath lab, to earning both his MBA from Darden and MSN from the UVA School of Nursing, to leadership positions at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and then returning to UVA in 1996 as Administrative Director for Cardiology.

In 2006, James joined the Department of Radiology as its Department Chief Operating Officer for nine years and later returned in 2017 to serve as the department’s Medical Center Administrator after two years as Chief Financial Officer of Piedmont Liability Trust (PLT). In total, James has spent 35 years in service to UVA — an incredible legacy that has shaped departments, mentored leaders, and strengthened care for countless patients.

“James has been a great leader for this department and we will all miss him,” said Colin P. Derdeyn, MD, who serves as chair of the department of radiology and medical imaging. “His commitment and dedication to all of us – faculty, staff, and the patients we serve – have been so clearly evident in all he does.  He gets things done: addressing staffing issues, incorporating new equipment, opening the new MR suite,  facilitating the amazing IR suites upstairs, and much more.  I will miss his honesty, integrity, deep knowledge and wisdom, and a very good sense of humor.”

“James has been able to balance his unique experiences and knowledge on behalf of the department of radiology and medical imaging in alignment with University Medical Center, always making sure that staff, trainee and faculty viewpoints were all heard and considered – especially when it came to what’s best for the patient and their family,” said Alan H. Matsumoto, MD, MA, former department chair. “I will forever be grateful for what he taught and the guidance he provided to me in my various roles in the department. He will truly be missed and never forgotten.”

To ensure a seamless transition, Rich Hooper, director of inpatient radiology, will serve as interim administrator. Rich’s deep operational knowledge and steady leadership within the department will provide strong and consistent support while we conduct a formal search for James’ successor.