Conemaugh Health System announced today that chief executive officer (CEO) Scott Becker is retiring effective September 30, 2016. Becker, a 30-year healthcare veteran, has successfully guided Conemaugh through some of the most evolutionary times in healthcare. Most notably, Becker led the four-hospital system through a strategic partnership with Duke LifePoint Healthcare.
Conemaugh Health System and Duke LifePoint joined forces in 2014 with a shared interested in collaborating with hospitals, healthcare providers, and patients to bring high-quality, innovative healthcare services to the region. Duke LifePoint’s acquisition of Conemaugh resulted in a significant investment in the system to strengthen Conemaugh’s operations and enhance its ability to thrive in the future. As the largest employer in a multi-county region and the largest healthcare provider in west central Pennsylvania, today Conemaugh is stronger than ever.
Strategic planning also has been at the forefront of Scott Becker’s leadership since taking over as Conemaugh CEO in 2005. “Over the years, Scott has been a true visionary who has shaped Conemaugh into the region’s leading healthcare system,” said Jeff Seraphine, president of LifePoint Health’s Eastern Group, which includes Conemaugh and other Duke LifePoint facilities. “Scott guided the organization through an uncertain healthcare environment and had the foresight to align with a national partner to lead it into the future. Conemaugh is stronger today as a result of his leadership and vision – for that we are grateful.”
Duke LifePoint will conduct a comprehensive search for Becker’s replacement with input and involvement from the Conemaugh Board of Trustees. “The process is already underway, and we look forward to working with the Board to identify the right leader,” said Seraphine. “We expect a seamless process and smooth transition over the next several months.”
“I have had the pleasure of serving on Conemaugh’s board for many years, and I have observed how much Scott’s leadership and genuine passion for our community has benefited the organization,” said Frank Quitoni, Conemaugh Health System board chair. “Conemaugh’s growth and accomplishments during Scott’s tenure as CEO have been extraordinary, and he will be greatly missed.”
Becker joined Conemaugh in 2005 after serving as vice president, hospital and mid-market sales with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh. Prior to that, he held top leadership positions at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Health System, where he served as chief operating officer of the hospital division.
A longtime committed civic and community leader, Becker is active with Vision 2025, a community based effort focused on revitalizing the Johnstown region. He is also on the board of the 1889 Foundation which recently established the 1889 Foundation-Jefferson Center for Population Health in Johnstown. Becker is engaged at the local, regional and national level serving on numerous advisory boards including The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), where he serves as chairman. Becker has served as committee chair for the Junior Achievement hall of fame dinner, as well as the fund-raising campaigns for the United Way of the Laurel Highlands and the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games. He also has served on numerous community boards including the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, Hospital Council of Western Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Advisory Board and the March of Dimes. In addition to his community service, Becker is a frequent speaker at the national level on healthcare strategic planning and quality.
“Over the past 11 years, I have witnessed both the healthcare industry and our organization undergo tremendous change,” said Becker. “Through this, the one thing that has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to our patients, and our commitment to truly making communities healthier. As we go forward, I am confident that our strong, talented leadership team will never lose sight of that. I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished, the work we have done together, and the work Conemaugh will continue to do in the future.”
About Conemaugh Health System
Conemaugh Health System, a member of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, is the largest healthcare provider in west central Pennsylvania, serving over a half-million patients each year through the Conemaugh Physician Group and Medical Staff, a network of hospitals, specialty clinics and patient focused programs. Conemaugh’s 4,500+ employees and 350+ physicians are committed to excellence and repeatedly earn state and national recognition for exceptional clinical outcomes. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, the system’s flagship hospital, provides sophisticated technology, the highest levels of trauma and neonatal intensive care and a committed history of training tomorrow’s physician, nurses and allied health providers. For more information on Conemaugh, visit us at www.conemaugh.org or follow us on Facebook.
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