UTICA, N.Y. – The Board of Directors of Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) today announced that it has named William W. LeCates, MD as President/CEO of the health system, effective Monday, October 20, 2025. He succeeds Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, who is retiring after nearly seven years of dedicated service to MVHS.
Following Stromstad’s announced retirement, the Board of Directors engaged in a national search for a President/CEO and, after extensive interviews with other highly qualified candidates, selected Dr. LeCates as Stromstad’s successor.
For the past 14 months, Dr. LeCates has served as the MVHS chief operating officer (COO). As COO, he has been responsible for Clinical Support Services, Operational Support Services, supervising MVHS product lines and working closely with quality and medical education. Dr. LeCates has also maintained a limited clinical practice in internal medicine and nephrology.
“Dr. LeCates is a proven leader with a deep understanding of healthcare systems and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” said Richard Zweifel, chair of the MVHS Board of Directors. “His clinical expertise, operational experience and knowledge of the region make him uniquely suited to lead MVHS into its next chapter.”
Dr. LeCates began his career in healthcare more than 25 years ago and has brought extensive expertise and experience to MVHS from a wide range of organizations and positions. Prior to joining MVHS, Dr. LeCates served as an Executive Director for JPMorgan Chase where he provided clinical oversight of the healthcare operations of 22 US health centers serving more than 150,000 employees.
As a physician and healthcare leader, the majority of Dr. LeCates’ career has been spent in various roles with Bassett Healthcare Network and its affiliates, with his last position being president and chief operating officer for Bassett Medical Center.
Dr. LeCates received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and earned his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency and nephrology fellowship training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. LeCates is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology.
Dr. LeCates also brings many years of military leadership experience. He currently serves as a colonel in the New York Army National Guard, with previous overseas tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Liberia. Dr. LeCates is a graduate of the United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
“I’m honored that the Board of Directors has the confidence in me to lead MVHS into its next chapter,” said Dr. LeCates. “Working alongside the extraordinary caregivers at MVHS over the past year has been a tremendous privilege. Together, we have before us a wonderful opportunity to grow and evolve in bringing the very best quality healthcare to all the communities we serve. I am truly grateful to lead MVHS at this critically important time.”
“We are grateful to Darlene Stromstad for the key role she played in bringing the Wynn Hospital to fruition,” said Zweifel. “Her leadership and guidance helped to steer the organization both during the transition to a new facility as well as during a worldwide pandemic.” Stromstad will continue to act as an advisor to the health system through the end of the year.
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