Judith Faulkner

Judith R. Faulkner
Born	(1943-08-11) August 11, 1943 Erlton, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, CEO
Known for	Founder and CEO of Epic Systems

Judith R. Faulkner (born August 11, 1943) is an American billionaire entrepreneur who serves as the CEO and founder of Epic Systems, a healthcare software firm headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin. She established the company in 1979 under the original name Human Services Computing. In 2013, Forbes recognized her as "the most influential woman in healthcare," and as of July 2024, her net worth was valued at approximately US$7.8 billion.

Early life and education

Faulkner was born to Louis and Del Greenfield in August 1943. Her father worked as a pharmacist, while her mother led Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility. She grew up in the Erlton area of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, completing her high school education at Moorestown Friends School in 1961. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Dickinson College and earned a master's degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Career

Shortly after completing her graduate studies in 1979, Faulkner co-launched Human Services Computing with Dr. John Greist. Operating initially from a basement in Madison, Wisconsin, the enterprise was later rebranded as Epic Systems. The startup was funded with $70,000 contributed by friends and family and has maintained private ownership without accepting venture capital or private equity investments. Faulkner highlights that Epic remains independently developed; it has never engaged in acquisitions nor intends to become publicly traded. Currently, Epic Systems oversees the medical records of more than 325 million individuals. Ownership of 43 percent of the company is held by Faulkner and her family.

Awards and recognition

• Included in Forbes America's Top 50 Women In Tech, 2018
• Ranked 55th among the world's most powerful women by Forbes in 2023

Personal life

Faulkner lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her spouse, Dr. Gordon Faulkner, a pediatrician, and they have three children together. In 2015, she became a signatory of The Giving Pledge, pledging to donate 99% of her wealth to charitable causes. In 2019, Judy and Gordon established the Roots & Wings Foundation to support nonprofit organizations assisting low-income children and families.