UPDATE: New Marlborough Hospital President Says Patients Come First

announced the appointment of a new president and CEO on Tuesday. 

Karen Moore, MS, FACHE, will take the reigns at the UMASS Memorial Health Care teaching hospital from interim president Douglas Brown, who also serves as a senior vice president and general counsel for the company.

Her first day of work in her new capacity will be Monday, Nov. 28 of this year. 

"I'm really excited," said Moore. "This is a wonderful community hospital and health care system. This is not only an opportunity to lead; this hospital and town seem like a great fit for my talents and experience, and I look forward to what we can do together over the next few years."

The announcement was made Tuesday by John O’Brien, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, and Richard Bennett, chair of the Marlborough Hospital board of trustees. 

 “We are very pleased Karen will join UMass Memorial Health Care as a member of our senior leadership team during this period of rapid change in our industry offering an unprecedented opportunity to improve patient care,” said O’Brien. “From the very beginning, we were impressed with her accomplishments and extensive health care background that spans more than 30 years beginning with a foundation of direct patient care when she began her career as a staff nurse in neurosurgery. “

Moore is a career health care executive with extensive experience in not-for-profit and for-profit health care, said the hospital.

"My basic philosophy is that patients are first, and I'll do whatever to support needs of our patients and their families," she said. "I think the balance of fiscal and quality goals represent good stewardship and are not at odds with each other. I want to take the hospital to the next level. I think that is my job as a leader."

Her priorities heading into the job over the next few weeks are simple. 

"I am going to be listening to a lot of people, said Moore. "I will be planning and meeting with people in the community and hospital over the next few weeks, and I will be listening to what the community really needs."

Moore comes to Marlborough after having recently served as the chief executive officer for Kindred Hospital Park View in Springfield, where she was responsible for improving quality and the patient experience. 

“We spoke with many qualified candidates for the position but universally, we all believe Karen is an innovative leader who works exceptionally well with staff, physician and the community," said Bennett. "This is why she will be a great match for the culture of Marlborough Hospital.

Moore's appointment comes as plans are underway to add a to the Marlborough hospital.

"I am excited about the cancer center," said Moore. "That is a train that has already left the station, so to speak, but I want to support projects like this that really help the community. And I want to work with the team at Marlborough hospital, getting to know them and listening to them."

She is board certified in health care management and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). She has been awarded a distinguished alumni award from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, School of Nursing, and has completed a Harvard University Professional Development Program for senior executives, said a release. 

She is a past member of the board of directors of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and on the executive leadership team of the American Heart Association’s 2011 Pioneer Valley Heart Walk. 

Currently a resident of Shelburne Falls, Moore plans to relocate to the Marlborough area in the near future.

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