Heywood Hospital has announced a change in leadership, which includes the president and CEO leaving and a new, “untraditional” leadership structure.

According to an announcement sent on June 6, President and CEO Win Brown has left Heywood Healthcare after 12 years in the role. No further information was provided as to why this happened, and calls seeking comment were not returned by press time.

Following Brown leaving Heywood, a new structure will be in place, with the appointment two co-CEOs—vice president of Patient Care Services, chief nursing officer, chief operating officer and executive director of Heywood Medical Group Rozanna Penney, along with Vice President of Financial Services Tom Sullivan.

“This is an untraditional model, but one that capitalizes on the internal strength of the leadership team and the work before us, focused on community healthcare accompanied by financial and operational excellence,” said Heywood Healthcare Board Chair Robert Chauvin in a statement. “The Board is highly confident that this leadership structure, along with the help of our dedicated employees, will carry forward the Heywood Healthcare mission, to provide exceptional patient-centered care.”

Heywood Healthcare is an independent, community-owned healthcare system serving north central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, comprised of Heywood Hospital in Gardner, Athol Hospital, Heywood Medical Group and The Quabbin Retreat.

Last week, Brown issued a statement that the hospital was prepared to support regional obstetric and maternity care, following an announcement that UMass Health Alliance-Clinton had filed a 120-day closure of those services. In April, Athol Hospital suspended endoscopy services due to a years-long issue with the surgical suite’s ventilation system.

Max Bowen can be reached at mbowen@recorder.com or 413-930-4074.

]]>