Dear colleagues and friends,
After 30 special years at Northwell – including the past 23 as President and CEO – I have decided to step aside and pass the baton to new leadership. These decisions are never easy, but the time comes when you realize it is the right thing to do – for yourself, your family and for the organization. While I am stepping down as CEO on October 1, I am not leaving the health system. I will stay on as CEO Emeritus for two more years to assist in any way I can to help Northwell continue to excel.
I am delighted that after a very comprehensive national search, the Board of Trustees has selected my partner and colleague Dr. John D’Angelo to succeed me, beginning this October. John is known to many of you. He is extremely talented, knows the organization and its strategy, and is passionate about building upon the unique culture that we have created. He is the right person to guide the health system going forward. I know that you will all provide him with your uncompromising support and commitment. The press release we issued this morning contains additional details.
On a personal level, it has been an extraordinary privilege and honor to work alongside each of you in building this great organization. Working together, we’ve achieved heights beyond what many thought possible. Built on a foundation of promoting the best quality care, the advancement of research and education, and the commitment to serving all, irrespective of circumstance, this health system stands as a testament to your incredible talent and commitment. We can all take great pride in what we have accomplished together. Every day, you’ve inspired me with your passion and dedication. Those are memories that I will always cherish.
As an Irish immigrant, I arrived in New York in the spring of 1968, searching for a job – any job – that would allow me to support my family back home and pursue an education. Back then, I could have never imagined that I would someday lead the largest health system and private employer in New York. It proves that so much is possible when you work hard and stay focused. I often remember my mother’s advice – "don’t ever let your circumstance limit your future potential or your dreams." How right she was.
I’ve known many of you since I first joined what was then the North Shore Health System 30 years ago. At the time, it was comprised of North Shore University and Glen Cove hospitals. Together, as a team, we have created something unique and special – a multi-state clinical, research and academic enterprise with 28 hospitals, 1,050 outpatient locations and a workforce of 104,000.
We must continue to aim high and dream big, believing that no hill is too steep to climb and no challenge too great to conquer. We’ve succeeded where many of our competitors have failed because we collaborate, support each other, and promote the values of decency, respect, integrity and trust. We understand that the supportive culture we have created is the foundation for future success. We are united by a common purpose – to serve the community to the best of our ability and always strive to do what is right.
Although this chapter of my professional career is coming to an end, this is the start of a new, exciting era at Northwell. This incredible health system has the talent, resilience and strength to weather whatever storms are on the horizon. When I look at that horizon, I see opportunity, growth and success.
I want to offer my special thanks to the members of the Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to serve as your CEO. I thank each of you for supporting me and allowing me the opportunity to have such a gratifying experience and career.
In closing, I wish continued good health to all of you. I encourage you to continue to stay positive, support each other and always remember – the work you do each and every day makes life better for others. Perhaps most importantly, never forget that everything is possible. |
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Michael J. Dowling President and CEO Northwell Health |