The board of Nassau Health Care Corp., which oversees Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, N.Y., voted to place hospital President and CEO Megan Ryan on administrative leave during a June 10 meeting, effective immediately.
Ms. Ryan previously shared plans to resign July 20 following a state-approved restructuring of the hospital’s board. Under the latest state budget bill, the board is governed by 11 members — six of whom are appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Richard Becker, MD, was named interim president and CEO at the meeting, a spokesperson from Ms. Hochul’s office confirmed to Becker’s.
Dr. Becker has served as system executive in residence at New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health since February, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously held several CEO roles, including one at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York City from 2008 to 2015.
“Dr. Becker understands what it takes to turn around a challenged institution while keeping the focus on patients and quality of care,” Stuart Rabinowitz, board chair, said in a statement shared with Newsday, which first reported the news June 10. “This evening’s actions, including the appointment of Dr. Becker and the engagement of nationally respected legal, financial and search advisors, reflect our commitment to restoring stability and building a successful future for this essential public hospital.”
The board also voted to hire Manatt, Phelps & Phillips as legal counsel, Deloitte as financial and operational consultant, and Korn Ferry to conduct the search for a permanent CEO, Newsday reported.
Ms. Ryan was named interim CEO in January 2024 and took on a permanent role in December. In her resignation letter, she cited “the passage of unprecedented legislation that will place NUMC under the direct control of Albany,” and claimed the rationale for the legislation — allegations of mismanagement — was fabricated.
A spokesperson from Ms. Hochul’s office said years of mismanagement have left the hospital in “financial peril,” citing losses of $142 million in 2024.
Ms. Ryan was among 10 leaders who recently left or announced plans to leave the organization, with several citing the governance restructuring in their resignation letters.
Becker’s has reached out to Ms. Ryan and NUMC for comment and will update this story if more information becomes available.
