Welcome to this week's Chutes & Ladders, our roundup of hirings, firings and retirings throughout the industry. Please submit the good news—or the bad—from your shop, and we will feature it here at the end of each week.
American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association (AHA) named James “Scott” Gee, deputy national advisor for cybersecurity and risk. In his new role, Gee will work with John Riggi, AHA’s national advisor for cybersecurity and risk, to develop strategies and operating priorities to support and advance the cybersecurity and physical risk mitigation practices of the nation’s hospitals and health systems.
Gee most recently worked as Microsoft’s cyber incident response manager. He also served in the U.S. Secret Service for two decades where he improved technical cyber and investigative operations across multiple governmental departments.
“Cybersecurity attacks, especially ransomware attacks, are occurring at an alarming pace, posing risks to every hospital, the patients they care for and the communities they serve,” Riggi said in a statement. “Scott brings a deep knowledge of cyber threat prevention, detection, response and mitigation, which is critical for defending against and minimizing the impact of these attacks.”
City of Hope Orange County
City of Hope Orange County, part of one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, announced that world-renowned colorectal surgeon Alessio Pigazzi, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the organization as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery.
Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer, according to a press release by City of Hope.
Pigazzi is renowned for his expertise in laparoscopic, robot-assisted and open surgical techniques and cytoreductive surgery, which can improve long-term outcomes and provide more treatment options for those with inoperable or advanced-stage cancer.
“This appointment to City of Hope Orange County is a homecoming for me,” Dr. Pigazzi said. “I am truly impressed by the level of comprehensive cancer care City of Hope offers — from the multidisciplinary clinics to integrative oncology to the depth and breadth of advanced treatments, clinical trials, and the latest technology available to patients and their families. This level of cancer-focused expertise, pioneering research and patient support services makes City of Hope the best place for people with cancer.”
Hello Heart
Hello Heart has welcomed cardiologist Jayne Morgan, M.D. as VP, Medical Affairs. Morgan is an on-air CNN healthcare expert and social media content creator who demystifies the science behind medicine. Morgan hosts a social media series called The Stairwell Chronicles in which she speaks directly to listeners about health and healthcare.
Morgan formerly served in various executive roles at Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, Georgia. She helped create the system's Piedmont Accelerator program and secured a licensing deal for the system's first internally developed medical device. She served as the Executive Director of the COVID Task Force at the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation and has been named to the Health Equity and COVID Task Force for the Governor of the state of Georgia.
- Molina Healthcare signed CEO Joe Zubretsky to a new employment agreement.
- Marlene Matsuok has been tapped as the General Manager of Cigna Healthcare.
- NorthBay Health, a leading healthcare system in California’s North Bay, is welcoming Larry Trilops in the new role of Chief Strategy Officer.
- Interim HealthCare announced the hiring of a new President and Chief Operating Officer, Rexanne Domico.
- Lifepoint Health announced the appointment of Sue Shugart to Chief Executive Officer of Rutherford Regional Health System, a Duke Lifepoint hospital. Shugart has served as interim CEO of Rutherford Regional Health System since June of this year.
- Wondr has appointed Marin Hoffman as Chief Experience and Engagement Officer (CXO). Hoffman will lead product management and commercialization, program engagement, and experience strategy
- The American Hospital Association has named the members of its board of trustees starting in 2025: Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare; Joan Coffman, president and CEO of St. Tammany Health System; Leslie Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Dr. Philip Ozuah, president and CEO of Montefiore Medicine; Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association; Lisa Shannon, president and CEO of Allina Health; Dr. Robert Vissers, president and CEO of Boulder Community Health; Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health; and Joseph Impicciche, chief executive officer of Ascension Healthcare.
- Robin Sanders has been promoted to vice president of litigation and risk at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Deidra Jackson, previously of the Health Care Services Corporation, has joined BCBS’ Federal Employee Program as vice president of product marketing and engagement.
- IntoValue, a direct-to-employer enablement company, has added Steve Nelson as a Board member.
- OM1, a leader in real-world data, outcomes and technology solutions for chronic diseases, has appointed Catherine Richards, Ph.D., as its first President.
- EZDERM, a dermatology-focused EHR and RCM software provider, tapped Vijay Malik as its first CTO.
- Advantum Health announced the promotion of Kathryn Haring to the position of Associate Vice President (AVP), Business Development.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Indiana residents enrolled in the state’s Medicaid programs, Hoosier Healthwise (HHW), Hoosier Care Connect (HCC), Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and Indiana PathWays for Aging, announced that Lynn Scott has been named President of its Medicaid health plan.
- Bryan O. Buckley, M.D., has been tapped as the Head of Public Health at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield