MVHS President announces retirement
Darlene Stromstad announced on Monday, March 24 that she will be retiring from her position in late 2025. Stromstad oversaw the combination of St. Elizabeth's Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital into the Wynn Hospital in 2023.
'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,' Stromstad said in a statement. '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.'
Before taking the position in Utica, Stromstad worked in hospitals all over the Northeast, including Fenway Health in Boston. She also led health systems in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine. Stromstad has been the president and CEO of MVHS since 2019. During that time, she oversaw the implementation of an Electronic Health Record system throughout all of MVHS, as well as her overseeing of local health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A search committee has been organized by the MVHS board of directors to perform a national search for Stromstad's replacement. Former board chair Greg Evans has been named as the head of the search committee.
'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,' Stromstad said in a statement. '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.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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