Sutter Health hires first chief scientific officer, and more | MED MOVES

Matthew Solomon, MD, recently began serving as the inaugural chief scientific officer of Sutter Health in California.

Matthew Solomon, MD

Solomon took the post on Jan. 21. Sutter Health says he will look to help advance research and education efforts across the system. He will work with other physician leaders on digital health, health equity, and population health, among other areas.

“I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to guide research and help integrate physician- and investigator-led analytic support for clinical operations at Sutter Health,” Solomon said in a statement.

Solomon said he expects Sutter will become a “destination center for translational, patient-centered and health systems research.”

“My goal is to develop a culture of inquiry and to support the development of research and analytics pathways that support Sutter’s system-wide goals and improve the health of our patients,” he said.

A cardiologist, Solomon most recently worked with the Kaiser Permanente system.

Conrad Vial, MD, president of Sutter Health Network, Solomon will bolster Sutter’s clinical and research programs.

“Dr. Solomon’s work has advanced real-world improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of common, rare and complex illnesses that impact tens of thousands of Americans,” Vial said in a statement.

Cindy Rahman

March of Dimes announces CEO has permanent role

Cindy Rahman has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the March of Dimes.

Rahman has been serving as interim president and CEO since August, but the organization said earlier this month that she now has the role on a permanent basis.

Previously, Rahman was the organization’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

“I’m honored to step into the role of President and CEO at March of Dimes and continue working alongside our dedicated team to improve the lives of moms and babies," Rahman said in a statement. "Looking ahead, I am committed to building on our strong legacy by enhancing organizational efficiencies, modernizing our workflow, and pushing the boundaries of excellence even further.”

Ellen Kelsay, chair of the March of Dimes National Board of Trustees, said Rahman has demonstrated her leadership skills.

“Her ability to blend research, marketing, and advocacy has been invaluable in driving growth and impact,” Kelsay said in a statement. “Under her leadership, we’re confident that March of Dimes will continue to advance its mission and create a lasting impact on maternal and infant health.”

Robert Roose, MD

Trinity Health appoints president of three New England hospitals

Robert Roose, M.D., MPH, has been appointed president of community hospitals for Trinity Health Of New England.

In his new position, Roose will oversee Mercy Medical Center, Springfield, Mass.; Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford, Conn., and Saint Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury, Conn.

Roose has served as president of Mercy Medical Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital. He’s been part of Trinity Health of New England since 2013 and held various leadership posts during his time with the organization.

Before joining the system, Roose served as director of quality improvement and medical director in the division of substance abuse at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, N.Y.

Trinity Health of New England is part of Trinity Health, a 93-hospital system based in Livonia, Michigan.

Alabama hospital names new CEO

Michael James has been hired as the new chief executive officer of Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Alabama.

He succeeds retiring CEO David McCormack, who has led the hospital since 2016. He began in the new role on Feb. 10.

James has spent 30 years in hospital leadership roles, most recently as vice president and chief operating officer at Jackson Hospital and Clinics in Montgomery.

“I’ve continued to take on more challenging roles in each step of my career and believe my decade at Jackson Hospital has prepared me to lead Vaughan,” James said in a statement. “I’m excited to join the team and look forward to working together to best serve the healthcare needs of our surrounding communities. We have strong programs already in place and opportunities to add or expand service lines to continue

bringing care close to home, where and when patients need it.”

Vaughan Regional is part of ScionHealth. Russell Pigg, president of ScionHealth’s community hospital division, said James will be “a great fit.”

“Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role and a track record for helping hospitals achieve success in an ever-changing environment,” Pigg said in a statement.

June-Ann Garafano

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System hires human resources officer

June-Ann Garafano has been named vice president and chief human resources officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Jersey.

Garafano possesses 25 years of experience in human resources. Previously, she served as ministry chief human resources officer for Trinity Health of New England’s physician enterprise medical group and St. Mary’s Hospital in Connecticut.

“I am excited to join Saint Peter’s Healthcare System at such a pivotal time in its growth,” Garafano said in a statement.

“Saint Peter’s values of compassion, integrity, and service to the community deeply resonate with my personal principles,” she said. “I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to support our Catholic mission. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and those we serve.”

Leslie D. Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, said Garafano will help strengthen the system.

“Her extensive experience leading human resources in health care, coupled with her deep understanding of Catholic-based institutions, will be invaluable as we continue our mission to provide compassionate, high quality care to the communities we serve,” Hirsch said in a statement.