Christopher O’Connor, CEO of Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut, is stepping down after 14 years with the organization.
Pamela Sutton-Wallace, president of Yale New Haven Health, was named acting CEO, effective immediately, according to a June 29 health system news release. Mr. O’Connor will serve as a special advisor to the chair of the board of trustees during the transition. The board will conduct a national search for the next CEO over the next several months.
Mr. O’Connor joined Yale New Haven Health in 2012 as executive vice president and COO after serving as president and CEO of Saint Raphael Healthcare System and the Hospital of Saint Raphael through its integration into Yale New Haven Hospital. He was appointed president in 2020 and CEO in 2022.
During his tenure, Mr. O’Connor oversaw the integration of Westerly Hospital, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Milford Hospital into Yale New Haven Health, strengthened the health system’s strategic collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine and helped advance development of the Adams Neurosciences Center at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Saint Raphael Campus in New Haven, according to the health system. The $838 million clinical and research facility is expected to open in 2027.
“We are extremely grateful to Chris for his commitment to the System and many years of service,” Mary Farrell, chair of the health system’s board of trustees, said in the release. “He has worked tirelessly to serve our patients and communities during the pandemic with exemplary care and results, and leaves YNHHS in a strong and successful position as we continue to offer the very best care to every one of our patients.”
Yale New Haven Health is a five-hospital system with more than 31,000 employees.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.