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James M. Hotaling, MD, has been named the inaugural Chief Innovation Officer for �鶹ѧ����Ʒ��, effective September 1, 2025.

�鶹ѧ����Ʒ�� has established the position of Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) to centralize, accelerate, and expand innovation across its academic health system. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, the CIO will oversee the creation of a comprehensive Innovation Enterprise that integrates research, clinical care, education, and commercialization. This leadership role is charged with fostering public-private partnerships, advancing digital and clinical innovations, and building sustainable pathways for commercialization and industry-sponsored research. By aligning resources and expertise across the university and beyond, the CIO will position �鶹ѧ����Ʒ�� at the forefront of transforming health care through innovation.

“Jim Hotaling is a collaborative, future-focused leader who has consistently turned great ideas into real improvements for patients, learners, and discovery,” remarked Bob Carter, MD, PhD, CEO and Executive Vice President for Health Sciences at �鶹ѧ����Ʒ��. “As our first Chief Innovation Officer, he will unite research, clinical care, education, and commercialization into a single Innovation Enterprise—expanding partnerships, accelerating responsible AI and digital solutions, and building clear pathways that help our faculty and teams bring breakthroughs to the bedside. Jim’s track record, energy, and commitment to our mission make him the right leader to shape the next decade of innovation at �鶹ѧ����Ʒ��.”

Hotaling has been a member of the University of Utah faculty since 2013 and is now Professor of Urology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. He has directed the Men’s Health program, the Andrology Fellowship, and the Surgical Population Analysis Research Core. He co-led the Data Exploration and Learning for Precision Health initiative, while also serving as principal investigator or co-investigator on numerous federally funded studies. In 2023, he became the Associate Vice President of Research for Innovation and Translation, launching University of Utah Ventures, a capital fund powered by EPIC Ventures, in 2025. In addition to the role of CIO, he will remain as AVP of Research for Innovation and Translation, continuing his work of coordinating cross-campus innovation efforts.

Hotaling’s research spans genomics, infertility, and precision health, with a strong record of national recognition and collaboration. Prior to joining �鶹ѧ����Ʒ��, he earned his medical degree from Duke University and a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Washington. He completed residency in urology at the University of Washington, followed by fellowship training in andrology at the University of Illinois Chicago.

“�鶹ѧ����Ʒ�� has a long track record and incredible potential for innovation and commercialization,” Hotaling said. “There is a huge ability here to leverage expertise across the health system as well as the university to positively impact patient care, drive research innovation, help fund strategic initiatives, and allow the incredible work of faculty across the university to impact patients globally through spin-out companies, industry partnerships in the form of sponsored research, and public-private partnerships with vendors who want to work with the university.”