Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) President and CEO Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, has announced her retirement, effective in late 2025.
“After an incredible journey in healthcare leadership, I will be retiring from my role as President/CEO of MVHS at the end of the year,” said Stromstad. “This decision comes with mixed emotions, as my time at MVHS – and throughout my career – has been filled with meaningful work, incredible colleagues and a shared commitment to providing the best possible care to our communities.
“When I joined MVHS, I was drawn to the opportunity to help transform healthcare in central New York. Together, we accomplished something truly extraordinary with the opening of Wynn Hospital – a state-of-the-art facility that will serve this region for generations to come. We strengthened our system, expanded services and navigated challenges with resilience, all with the goal of improving the lives of those who rely on us for care.
“Throughout my career – whether in New Hampshire, Boston, Connecticut, Maine or here in Utica – I have been privileged to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in healthcare. I have also had the honor of serving on national and state-level boards, advocating for policies that support patients, healthcare workers and the industry as a whole.
A search committee has been created by the MVHS Board of Directors to perform a national search to find a replacement president/CEO.
“We are profoundly grateful for Darlene’s exceptional leadership and dedication since joining MVHS,” said Richard Zweifel, MVHS Board Chair. “Over the years, Darlene has been a pillar of strength and innovation for our hospital, leading us through numerous transformative initiatives and challenging times. Under her leadership, we successfully implemented a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, revolutionizing our patient care and operational efficiency. Her dedication was instrumental in the construction and opening of the Wynn Hospital, a milestone that has significantly enhanced our capacity to serve the community. Darlene also played a crucial role in the integration of two distinct medical staffs, fostering a unified and collaborative environment that has greatly benefited our healthcare delivery. Her steadfast guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that we navigated through unprecedented challenges with resilience and compassion. Moreover, her involvement in the expansion of our residency program has been pivotal in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring the continued excellence of our medical services.”
“The Board has organized a search committee to find Darlene’s replacement, and Greg Evans, former MVHS Board Chair, will lead the committee. An executive recruiting firm will be used to perform a national search.”
“As I step into this next chapter, I do so with deep appreciation for the experiences I have had, the relationships I have built and the impact we have made together,” said Stromstad. “I thank the MVHS Board of Directors for this remarkable opportunity and their continued support. While I may be retiring from my day-to-day leadership role, my passion for healthcare and my gratitude for this community will remain steadfast.”
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