LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE

Louis Aiello

Cristian Andrade

Senior vice president and chief financial officer, Mohawk Valley Health System.

With organization since: 1993 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center; since 2014 at Mohawk Valley Health System (St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare).

In current position since: 2014.

Education: Bachelor of Science in accounting from Utica College of Syracuse University; passed uniform CPA exam.

Career Highlights: Began career in healthcare as a staff accountant and worked in all departments related to revenue cycle prior to becoming CFO in 2001; being selected as the CFO of the newly affiliated Mohawk Valley Health System (Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare [Senior Network Health, Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County, St. Luke’s Home, and Mohawk Valley Home Care] and St. Elizabeth Medical Center).

Current Affiliations: Healthcare Financial Management Association, since 1995; Junior Junction Inc. since 1996; Healthcare Underwriters Mutual Risk Management Group Compensation Trust, since 1998; House of Good Shepherd, since 2022.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “My managerial approach is to make data-driven decisions rather than decisions based on emotions.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “Team player, ethical, and hardworking. Treat everyone equally.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? Devote available resources to taking care of patients more efficiently and streamline excessively complex systems which hinder or prevent actions or decisionmaking relative to patient care.”

What do you do for fun? “ Cooking, home improvement projects, spending time with family.”

Vice president and chief medical officer, Rome Heath

With organization since: December 2021

In the current position since: December 2021

Education: Medical degree from University of Medical & Dental of New Jersey, New Brunswick. In 2019, completed the advanced executive leadership for physicians training at Cornell University. Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Career Highlights: Completed his residency in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Health, where he was a member of the medical staff for more than 18 years. He cared for patients at St. Joseph’s as a hospitalist for many years before accepting progressive leadership responsibilities, most recently serving as vice president of medical affairs in Syracuse.

Michael C. Backus

President and chief operating officer, Oswego Health.

With organization since: September 2020. In current position since: January 2023.

Education: Master’s degree in public administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College.

Career Highlights: Recognized as a certified community leader by Leadership Greater Syracuse in 2012. Recognized by several regional and statewide publications as 40-Under-40 “Rising Star,” including by the Central New York Business Journal and the Albany based City and State magazine. In 2018, was awarded the inaugural “Friend of the First” award by The (Oswego) Palladium Times. Before joining Oswego Health, served in elected office as clerk of Oswego County where he led the legislative committee for the New York

State Association of County Clerks. He also has served on the legislative staff of state and federal officials, including former US Representative John McHugh.

Current affiliations: Member of the board of regents, Le Moyne College, Mexico Academy Alumni Foundation and American Hospital Association; NextGen fellow.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I believe strongly in servant leadership and ensuring that decisions are made in a collaborative, communicative environment where every member of your team feels valued.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “Whoever said, ‘you have two ears and one mouth — use them in proportion’ knew what they were talking about. I try to lead with that in mind and focus on being an effective listener first, then transition good ideas into realistic, data-driven action items. I also believe that for me to be an effective leader I also have to be accountable to my team. They need to not only feel like they’ve been heard, but that their ideas are also meaningfully considered and, if possible, implemented.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Every healthcare institution in the region is focused daily on responding to the pandemic. That’s job number one right now and ensuring that we are there for our patients during this extraordinary time. Thankfully, Oswego Health as a system includes hospitalbased in-patient care, as well as outpatient surgery, primary care, our Lakeview Center for Mental Health and Wellness, along with many other services. That diversity of care right at home in our community is what healthcare needs to be and I think it has benefitted our community during COVID. We should be focused on furthering efforts to expand services right here in our community, so patients don’t need to travel. Thankfully, we have great partnerships throughout Central New York to offer care locally. I will keep working on bringing more care to Oswego County and expanding upon efforts to advance healthy behaviors.”

What do you do for fun? “I am blessed with two very active children, and they bring the fun every day. Watching them grow closer during this pandemic with no one other than each other to play with has been a silver lining. They also have shown interest in playing catch with Dad and hitting a few golf balls now and then, so we enjoy the time we have when we have it.”

Angela Belmont

Senior vice president and chief nursing executive, Bassett Healthcare Network.

With organization since: August 2022.

In current position since: August 2022.

Education: Received

Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in nursing administration from the SUNY Institute of Technology (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute). Doctorate in nursing practice in system leadership from Rush University in Chicago.

Career highlights: “Thirty years of experience as a nurse administrator. Most recently, served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Cooley Dickenson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham Health System in Massachusetts. Provided leadership, oversight, and support of the system’s established leaders in patient care services and VNA-Hospice, plus advanced the dyad program of nursing and physician collaboration.” From 2014 to 2017, served as assistant vice president of nursing for Mohawk Valley Health System. Led efforts to significantly improve patient care services and outcomes across the system’s two hospital campuses. Also worked in various positions at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica for more than 20 years.

What do you do for fun? “I delight in spending time with my husband and three children, and also enjoy hiking, swimming, and bike riding.”

Kimberly Boynton

President and chief executive officer, Crouse Health.

With organization since: 1998.

In current position since: January 2014.

Education: A graduate of The Franciscan Academy in Syracuse. Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting from Niagara University, Master of Business Administration degree from

Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management.

Career Highlights: Began her career at Crouse Health in 1998, and prior to her appointment as CEO, had served as chief financial officer since 2003.

Current affiliations: A Syracuse native, she is actively involved in the community, currently serving as a member of the board of directors of the Healthcare Association of New York State; Greater New York Hospital Association; Iroquois Healthcare Alliance; CenterState CEO; SRC, Inc.; Seneca Savings and AAA of Western and Central New York. Is also a trustee for Christian Brothers Academy. Previously served as board president of the United Way of Central New York and board treasurer of Catholic Charities, and was a member of the board of directors of Elmcrest Children’s Center; American Red Cross; Crouse Hospital Auxiliary; and board president of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Site.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I think it’s important to give people the right tools to do their job effectively, while encouraging and motivating them to do the very best they can — and being supportive of their talents. Above all else, fostering a collaborative work environment that is diverse, inclusive and rewarding.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “I listen. I give people the opportunity to take full advantage of their talents and interests. And I believe the success of a team is dependent on every member’s contributions, insight and perspective. And we laugh together!”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “We are in the midst of unprecedented change in healthcare today as a result of the coronavirus. Despite this challenge we need to continue to provide high-quality healthcare, and do so in a costefficient manner. Healthcare providers have made significant advances in quality and patient engagement in recent years, it is now our responsibility to focus on the elimination of disparities in the care provided to our communities.”

What do you do for fun? “Spending time with family, including husband Charlie and son Henry, both avid hockey players. And a good movie with a delicious bowl of popcorn!”

Maureen Campanie

Executive director, BRiDGES Madison County Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse.

With organization since: 2003

In current position since: 2021

Education : Master’s degree in public administration, Marist College; bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College.

Career Highlights: Awarded the Madison County Community Services Board Alcohol and Substance Abuse Award in 2012. In 2013 awarded NYS Credentialed Prevention Professional of the Year. Then in 2018 WCNY Women Who Make America award and the Madison County Democratic Party Community Services Award.

Current affiliations: Member of NYS Credentialed Prevention Professional; member of the board of directors of the Madison County Rural Health Council; Pathways advisory board member.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “Always remember your most valuable asset is your employees.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “I graduated from LeMoyne College with an undergraduate degree in communications. I have always enjoyed and valued listening to people. I think we have so much to learn from one another if we just take the time to listen.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Again, I think our society has become so focused on billing and measuring our time in terms of money that we have lost the connections between a provider and their patient or clients. We need to consciously and actively slow down to truly hear people if we want to be able to meet their needs and meet them where they are at.”

What do you do for fun? “I enjoy spending time with my family, taking my dogs on walks and visiting gardening stores.”

Eric Campbell

Executive vice president of finance and chief financial officer, Oswego Health.

With organization since: December 2010.

In current position since: January 2023.

Education: Graduate of George Mason University, B.S in accounting; certified public accountant in New York.

Career Highlights: “During my time with Oswego Health, I have been part of a team that has continually focused on growth and improving the quality of service offerings. We have been successful in improving operational and revenue cycle metrics across the organization. In addition, we’ve been fortunate to receive multiple competitive capital grant awards.”

Current affiliations: Member of Healthcare Financial Management Association; board chairman of United Iroquois Share Services; member of the finance committee for ConnextCare; Member of the finance committee for Oswego County Integrated Delivery Network.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach: “Focus on continuous improvement. Supporting my teams when they need help and digging in to solve problems when they arise together.

Skills that make you an effective leader: “Being curious and asking questions while being respectful of differing ideas. Focusing on key strategic priorities.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved: “Organizing stakeholders to better align resources and goals with a focus on providing high-quality healthcare services locally. The healthcare system is an important pillar in the communities we serve and the more all providers of healthcare work together on a common goal the stronger it will become.”

What do you do for fun: “Spending time with my wife and two children, as well as my parent’s and sister’s family who live locally. I enjoy many outdoor activities: hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and golf. Coach youth basketball for Christ the Good Shepherd Leprechaun League and Oswego Youth Basketball Association.”

Thomas Carman

President and chief executive officer, Samaritan Medical Center.

With organization since: 2004.

In current position since: 2004.

Education : Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy; master’s degree in business administration, Syracuse University.

Career Highlights: Previously with Cortland Regional Medical Center (1997 to 2004).

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Affiliations: Chairman of Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization; immediate past chairman of Advocate Drum — Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization; North Country Initiative, board member; Iroquois Healthcare Association, board member; Healthcare Association of New York State, secretary; American College of Healthcare Executives, fellow.

Marie Carter-Darling

Senior director, administration, Guthrie Cortland Medical Group.

With organization since: 1992 (as a teen volunteer); returned in May 2001 to work per diem until 2006; returned in current role in January 2017. In current position since: January 2017.

Education: Master of Science in health care administration, King’s College, Pennsylvania. Bachelor of professional studies in radiation therapy, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse. Associate of Applied Science degree in radiologic technology, Broome Community College, Binghamton.

Career Highlights: “Working as a radiation therapist early in my career, I found great passion in identifying opportunities to better support our patients and worked to implement programs around those voids. Taking care of the entire person, not just the disease. Through my career progression, I lead or partnered with multidisciplinary teams to develop the following: lung cancer screening program, comprehensive cancer center, practice leadership structure to support multiple service lines.”

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I am a transformational leader. I focus on inspiration, encouragement and empowerment to be successful, positive role models for staff. Building a successful team that is strong enough to take ownership of delegated duties. We are taking care of the most vulnerable consumer, the patient. We need to approach health care at all levels with compassion, consideration, empathy, values, and strong moral character to ensure our patients feel they have the best care always.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “My father taught me that the most valuable thing we can do as a human being is listen, think and react thoughtfully. With this mindset, I don’t overreact and I present myself as someone who can be trusted. I empower people with the same principles.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “We are currently dealing with a stressful environment unlike any other time, working through significant staff shortages. The healthcare industry in our region should partner with educational facilities to build more programs to educate those who desire working in the healthcare field. Programs that are easily accessible with balanced or no financial burden.”

What do you do for fun? “I love to be with my family, love to cook, look forward to family game night, love watching my kids play sports or music. I also like to spend some time alone for myself with yoga or walks to clear my mind.”

Robert J. Corona

Chief Executive Officer, Upstate University Hospital.

With organization since: 2012. In current position since: March 2018.

Education: Undergraduate degree, Ithaca College; medical school, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine at New York Institute of Technology; Master of Business Administration, University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Career Highlights: Named Outstanding Hospital Executive of the Year from CNY Business Journal; named to Becker’s Hospital Review list of Top 100 CEO’s to know; appointment to New York State Board for Medicine; received SUNY Upstate’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; named the John B Henry Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; named Computer Professional of the Year; board certified in neuropathology, anatomic pathology, clinical informatics.

Current affiliations: American Board of Pathology; American Society of Clinical Pathology; board member, Cornell University Institute for Healthy Futures; editorial board, American Association of Physician Leadership; American College of Healthcare Executives.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “My philosophy is to clearly communicate the truth. It can be done with kindness. W. G. Allyn advised me to always be ‘kind and true.’ I try to lead with a soft approachable style but with a backbone of strength that comes from being well prepared for the expected and unexpected. I have an open mind stretched by an innovative imagination and an adventurous heart. I can be hands-on and observe from the balcony equally as well.”

Skills that make you an effective leader: “Empathy and compassion, strategic thinking, the ability to make rapid decisions with incomplete information, adaptability, ability to inspire and communicate clearly.” Most recently I have been studying what it means to be a ‘wise leader’ and I found this quote from Chip Conley… ‘wisdom is metabolized experience that leads to distilled compassion’. Over the past three years I have had incredible experiences that are now in the distillation process. “

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “The region’s healthcare industry can be improved through more collaboration with the different systems. We are proving it now in this pandemic. Also, another way to improve the industry is the integration of advanced technology with a focus on sustainability.”

What do you do for fun? “I read, lift weights, spend time with my family, care for my dogs, play with technology, travel, ride bikes and participate in water sports.”

Elizabeth Cullen

President of CNY Physical Therapy and Aquatics.

With organization since: 2012.

Since what year in the current position: Manager since 2012; owner since 2015.

Education: Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ithaca College.

Highlights : 150+ hours of continuing education on lumbar spine and pelvis; specialize in women’s health and chronic pelvic pain.

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I emphasize patient care over