UTICA, N.Y. — Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) is looking for a new leader as President/CEO Darlene Stromstad announced she will retire later this year.

“After an incredible journey in health-care leadership, I will be retiring from my role as president/CEO of MVHS at the end of the year,” Stromstad said in her announcement. “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 for our communities.”

The MVHS board of directors has formed a search committee, led by former board Chair Greg Evans. The health system will utilize an executive recruiting firm to conduct a national search for a new leader.

“We are profoundly grateful for Darlene’s exceptional leadership and dedication since joining MVHS,” Board Chair Richard Zweifel said. “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 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.”

The opening of Wynn Hospital in October 2023 resulted in the shuttering of St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica and the Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare hospital in New Hartford, bringing all the staff together at the new campus. The new hospital has faced several challenges since opening including longer-than-expected wait times when it first opened. In 2024, the hospital had to pause open-heart surgery for a time after the state health department expressed concerns.

“Darlene also played a crucial role in the integration of two distinct medical staffs, fostering a unified and collaborative environment that has greatly benefitted our health-care delivery,” Zweifel said. “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 health-care professionals, ensuring the continued excellence of our medical services.”

Stromstad joined MVHS in January 2019, succeeding Scott Perra, who resigned in 2018. Prior to MVHS, she served as interim CEO of Fenway Health in Boston for a little over a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Stromstad also served as president of Atlantic Square Group in Connecticut, CEO of the Greater Waterbury Health Network in Connecticut, and president/CEO of Goodall Hospital in Maine.

“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,” Stromstad said. “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 health care and my gratitude for this community will remain steadfast.”