MyMichigan Health CEO plans to step away | MED MOVES

Lydia Watson, MD, the president and CEO of MyMichigan Health is planning to retire.

Watson has served as CEO since December 2022. She plans to step down July 5, 2026.

The health system has named Bryan Cross, the system’s chief operating officer, as the next president and CEO of MyMichigan Health. He will move into the role March 29, 2026.

Watson previously served as the system’s senior vice president and chief medical officer. She held a host of other administrative posts and has spent nearly three decades with the organization.

She said in a news release that she traces her interest in medicine from getting her first aid badge in the Girl Scouts.

“If I could tell my 10-year-old self that building a first aid kit would lead to such a fulfilling career in medicine, I certainly would,” Watson said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, all those that have inspired me and the lives I have had the honor to serve and care for. MyMichigan Health has been just a wonderful place to work and has enriched my life in ways I never imagined.”

Eric Smith, chairman of the MyMichigan Health board of directors, praised Watson’s “lifelong commitment to serving others.”

“She has been an outstanding partner and collaborator with all those with whom she’s worked and her commitment to excellence and compassion has impacted countless lives and inspired future generations of health care professionals,” Smith said in a statement. “We are all grateful for the impact she has made on our health system and our communities.”

Penn State Health appoints chief transformation officer

Mumtaz Darbar has been named the executive vice president and chief transformation officer of Penn State Health.

Darbar joined Penn State Health in 2023 as the system’s first chief clinical and academic integration officer.

In her new role, she will play a key role in aligning Penn State Health’s corporate strategy and goals, the system says.

Dr. Michael Kupferman, chief executive officer for Penn State Health, says Darbar brings “a proven track record of mission-driven leadership.”

“Her ability to balance growth with fiscal responsibility and foster collaboration will be instrumental as we continue to unify our physician practices and strengthen our integrated academic health system,” Kupferman said in a statement.

Darbar will also play an important role in unifying Penn State Health’s physician practices into a single medical group.

She held leadership roles at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, and Mayo Clinic and The Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minn.

Lifepoint Health names leader of central Kentucky hospitals

Bruce Tassin has been named chief executive officer of two Lifepoint Health hospitals: Georgetown Community Hospital and Bluegrass Community Hospital.

He has also been named the market president of Clark Regional Medical Center and Bourbon Community Hospital. The system says he will provide oversight of all four hospitals in central Kentucky.

He takes the new role on Jan. 1, 2026.

“I am honored to lead the talented team of providers and employees in Central Kentucky and look forward to starting the new year strong as we work to advance our mission of making communities healthier,” Tassin said in a statement.

William Haugh, division president of Lifepoint Health’s Central Division, described Tassin as a “highly respected healthcare veteran.”

“As our industry continues to evolve, Bruce’s innovative problem solving, experience leading through organizational change and strong commitment to positive mission-driven outcomes will position our Central Kentucky hospitals for the future,” Haugh said in a statement.

UNC Health names new general counsel

Susannah Gopalan has been named the new general counsel of UNC Health Pardee.

Gopalan possesses more than two decades of experience advising healthcare providers and government agencies.

“I am excited to join an organization that is laser-focused on meeting the needs of its community while expanding services,” Gopalan said in a statement. “I am impressed by the dedication, optimism, and enthusiasm of the team here, and I appreciate the warm welcome I have already received.”

Jay Kirby, president and CEO of UNC Health Pardee, said Gopalan brings strong credentials to the role.

“Her expertise in healthcare law and policy, combined with her extensive experience in regulatory and compliance matters, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our community,” Kirby said in a statement.