Robert S. Shapiro, former CFO and executive vice president of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health, died last month, and is remembered by the health system as a compassionate person who played a key role in building a strong financial foundation for the organization.
Mr. Shapiro died Jan. 29 at age 66 from two rare diseases, according to an article in Newsday Feb. 13.
Mr. Shapiro served as CFO of Northwell, formerly North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, from 2000 until he retired in 2017. Before becoming CFO, he was vice president of financial operations and director of finance/assistant administrator at Northwell Health.
During his tenure, he "was an extraordinary finance professional and a loyal friend who played a major role in helping build what Northwell has become," Michael Dowling, president and CEO, said in a memo to staff, which was shared with Becker's Feb. 15.
Among the accomplishments under Mr. Shapiro's fiscal leadership are fiscal and budget strategies that helped Northwell earn A-level bond ratings from credit agencies, said Mr. Dowling, adding that this allowed the health system to borrow funds at favorable interest rates for capital projects.
"Those of who had the privilege of working with Bob before his 2017 retirement know that he was an extraordinary finance professional and a loyal friend who played a major role in helping build what Northwell Health has become," Northwell said in a statement Feb. 16. "Bob played a vital role in building a strong financial foundation for Northwell. Under his fiscal leadership, we achieved positive operating gains in almost every year of his two decades as CFO. Most importantly, in addition to being a dedicated leader and gifted finance professional, Bob was a kind, humble and compassionate person who was beloved by his colleagues. He will be greatly missed, and his lasting legacy at Northwell will always be remembered."
This article was updated at 10:15 a.m. CT on Feb. 16.
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