Alexander Khalessi, MD, MBA
Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery
Professor of Surgery, Radiology and Neurosciences
Dr. Khalessi is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in cranial and endovascular surgery. He provides both open surgical and catheter-based approaches to complex neurosurgical problems, including primary and metastatic brain tumors, cavernomas, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), Moyamoya disease, and carotid disease.
Dr. Khalessi is deeply committed to the San Diego region and was selected by his physician peers as a "Top Doc" in San Diego Magazine's 2019 annual presentation of Top Doctors. Regionally, Dr. Khalessi served two terms as president of the San Diego Academy of Neurological Surgery.
Dr. Khalessi graduated from Stanford University with departmental honors in public policy and a Master of Science degree in health services research. Dr. Khalessi earned his medical degree at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and his Master of Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management.
Heather Delaney, MPH
Department Business Officer
Born and raised in
San Diego, Heather Delaney brings over 25 years of healthcare
experience, including almost 15 years at UC San Diego Health. Before
joining UC San Diego Neurological Surgery, Heather served as the
Division Administrator for Medical Oncology at Duke University. In her
role with Duke, she worked closely with the Department of Medicine, Duke
Cancer Institute, Private Diagnostic Clinic, and Duke University Health
System.
Morgan Tupper
Executive Director, Office of the Chair of Neurological Surgery
In her role as Executive Director in the Office of the Chair of Neurological Surgery, Morgan Tupper works directly with Dr. Alexander Khalessi and manages departmental programs, projects and initiatives. She provides strategic insight and guidance for philanthropic endeavors, communications, business development, and short- and long-term operational planning. Morgan also oversees both the clinical coordinator and administrative teams.
Marie J. Webber, MHSA
Chief Administrative Officer, Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Radiology, and Women and Infants
In her role, Marie Webber provides executive leadership over all clinical and ambulatory operations for Neurological Surgery, Neurosciences, Psychiatric and Ophthalmology Services, Radiology and Women and Infants for UC San Diego Health. Marie is responsible for ensuring that the quality, efficiency, and continuity of services meet the needs of patients, physicians, and staff.
Michelle Ziemba, RN, MSN
Senior Director
Neurological Institute, Rehabilitation Services, Trauma & Burn
In her role as Senior Director, Michelle Ziemba is charged with the development and operations of the Neurological Institute and the Neuro service line oversight, strategic program development, and operations for Trauma, Burn and Rehab Services. Michelle works with the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Neurosciences to improve clinical care, patient access, and clinical operations for both ambulatory and inpatient services and is responsible for Trauma and Burn Program Verification, program operations and strategy.