The halls of University Medical Center of El Paso echo with the whispers of change as Maria Zampini, a veteran of the healthcare system, steps into her new role as CEO. Her journey, spanning over three decades, has been marked by dedication and a deep understanding of the community’s healthcare needs.
Zampini’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for UMC, as the hospital embarks on a series of expansion projects funded by a $396.6 million bond approved by El Paso County voters in 2026. These projects aim to enhance the hospital’s capacity and services, addressing the growing healthcare demands of the region.
Leadership Transition and Organizational Restructuring
The leadership transition at UMC is part of a broader restructuring of the El Paso County Hospital District. Jacon Cintron, who previously led the hospital as president and CEO of the district, will now focus on overseeing the district’s network of health clinics, El Paso Children’s Hospital, and El Paso Health. Zampini, who previously served as the chief operating officer, has taken the helm as the first woman to lead UMC in the newly created CEO position.
Zampini’s new role comes with a significant responsibility and a notable increase in compensation. Her salary has been raised to $565,400a 62% increase from her previous role as COO. This adjustment reflects the strategic importance of her position in driving the hospital’s expansion and improvement initiatives.
Expansion Projects and Community Impact
The $396.6 million bond approved by voters is set to fund a range of projects aimed at enhancing UMC’s capabilities. Among these projects is a $30 million comprehensive cancer centerspearheaded by Texas Tech Health El Paso. This center will provide advanced cancer treatment options closer to home for El Paso residents.
A $24.5 million burn center is also in the works, set to be housed on the third floor of the main hospital. This center will address a critical need in the region, as patients previously had to travel long distances for specialized burn treatment. The burn center will be directed by surgeon Dr. Philip Fidlerwho has already begun hiring staff and training nurses.
Additionally, a geriatric clinic is planned, offering a holistic approach to senior care. This clinic will provide a range of services under one roof, including geriatrician consultations, prescription medication, audiology services, lab work, and rehabilitation. Zampini estimates that the geriatric clinic is about a year away from breaking ground.
Staffing and Retention Efforts
As UMC expands its services, staffing and retention have become top priorities for Zampini. The hospital serves as a teaching institution for students from Texas Tech Health, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso Community College, and other affiliated schools. With over 3,000 students coming through UMC annually, maintaining strong relationships with these institutions is crucial for recruiting graduates to stay in El Paso.
UMC has already taken steps to improve employee retention, including raising the minimum wage to $15 in 2026. Zampini emphasizes the importance of merit raises based on performance reviews and conducts satisfaction surveys for physicians, associates, and patients. The hospital’s turnover rate has shown a decline since a spike in fiscal year 2026, reflecting the effectiveness of these retention efforts.
Looking Ahead
Zampini’s vision for UMC is driven by a commitment to improving access to healthcare for the El Paso community. She looks forward to the completion of the bond projects, which will enable UMC to admit more patients and prepare them for surgeries. The additional observation rooms and new services will address the high demand for healthcare in the region.
“Really the reason I’ve been here so long is because you just feel that sense of satisfaction that we’re doing something,” Zampini said. “You’re changing the dynamic of the whole family because they’re going to feel everything that happens.”