MED MOVES: Mayo Clinic announces changes in key posts, and more

Paula Menkosky

The Mayo Clinic has announced two leaders are taking on new responsibilities, while another key figure is leaving the health system.

Marialena Murphy

Paula Menkosky will assume the Mayo Clinic’s enterprise chief human resources officer role. She will move out of her current post as the chief administrative officer of Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Menkosky is succeeding Cathy Fraser, the Mayo Clinic’s chief human resources officer, who is leaving the organization to pursue a new opportunity, the system said. The  transitions are slated to take effect Aug. 12.

Gianrico Farrugia, Mayo Clinic’s president and CEO, described Menkosky as “an outstanding executive leader.”

“I am very glad Mayo Clinic will continue to benefit from her expertise and values-driven approach as she leads our people strategy,” he said in a news release announcing the moves.

Marialena Murphy, Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s chief nursing officer, will serve as interim chief administrative officer, the system said. A search is underway for a new chief administrative officer at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the system said.

Carlos Cubia

BHSH names diversity officer of newly merged system

Carlos Cubia is joining the BHSH System in Michigan as its chief inclusion, equity, diversity and sustainability officer.

He plans to take the new post in the newly merged system on June 30. The system was formed in the merger of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health.

Cubia comes to the BHSH System from Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he has served as senior vice president, global chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer since 2017. Previously, he served as a vice president at Covidien, Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

In a news release, he expressed enthusiasm for his new role.

“Despite the life-altering impacts of COVID-19, systemic racism and social determinants that affect some people more than others, I see real promise,” Cubia said in a statement.

“We know that if we are to succeed in helping people live healthier, happier lives, we must create a culture in which DE&I and health equity are at the center. I am honored to help develop and champion the strategies that will bring that about through BHSH System.”

Lauren Dudley

HCA Healthcare hospital in Va. announces new CEO

Lauren Dudley has been hired as the chief executive officer of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, an HCA Healthcare medical center in Virginia.

She succeeds Alan Fabian, who was recently elevated to LewisGale Regional Health System market president.

Dudley brings over 14 years of experience in the healthcare industry and has held leadership roles at large and small hospitals within HCA Healthcare. She is serving as the chief operating officer for HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where she helped led a $120 million fundraising campaign for an expansion project.

“It’s an exciting time for both LewisGale Hospital Montgomery and the community with the current expansion of the hospital’s surgery department,” Dudley said in a statement. “I’m eager to collaborate with the hospital’s internal and external stakeholders to collectively increase access to high-quality patient care right here in the New River Valley.”

Fabian said Dudley has succeeded in expanding services and finding efficiencies at several HCA facilities.

“I’m certain she’ll continue to build on a solid foundation and path forward for LewisGale Hospital Montgomery’s continued growth and success, anchored by industry-leading quality and colleague engagement.”

Michael Smith

CarolinaEast health system hires new chief executive

Michael Smith has been named the president and chief executive officer of CarolinaEast Health System.

He has served as CarolinaEast’s vice president of physician practice management since August 2010. Smith is succeeding Ray Leggett, who said he is retiring in January. Leggett’s last day will be June 30.

Smith, a certified public accountant, worked at several accounting firms before joining CarolinaEast. Since joining the health system, Smith was credited with recruiting top physicians to CarolinaEast. He was also a part of the leadership team that helped negotiate CarolinaEast’s affiliation with UNC Health, the system said in a news release.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to serve in this leadership role in a growing and dynamic health care system that includes the hospital where I was born,” Smith said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the CarolinaEast Board, our administrative leaders, outstanding physicians, and our very capable and dedicated staff to continue to serve our community and region.”

Colleen Assavapisitkul

Adventist Health Clear Lake selects president

Colleen Assavapisitkul has been named the news president at Adventist Health Clear Lake in Clearlake, California.

Assavapisitkul is a nurse and has served with Adventist Health Clear Lake in leadership roles for over 10 years, and she has been the hospital’s vice president of patient care since 2016. Before joining the facility, she worked in healthcare positions around the world, including posts in Hawaii, Thailand, Oregon and Washington.

At Adventist Health Clear Lake, she previously served as director of quality/infection control, administrative director of patient care and chief nursing officer.

"Over the 10 years I’ve worked in Clear Lake leading the care of our patients, I’ve been inspired and motivated by our employees, providers, and partners and I look forward to building on our success,” Assavapisitkul said in a news statement.

“As we continue our journey to achieve our vision for Lake County and beyond, we will leverage past achievements and continue to pave the way for an excellent experience for our patients, their families, and our entire community.”

Adventist Health, a faith-based, nonprofit system, operates more than 400 sites of care on the West Coast and Hawaii.

Related story: Meet Amwell's new chief medical officer, and more