NewYork-Presbyterian CEO is retiring, successor named

After leading NewYork-Presbyterian for 14 years, Dr. Steven J. Corwin has decided it’s time to step down.

Dr. Steven J. Corwin, left, the president and chief executive officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, will retire in January. Dr. Brian G. Donley, the system's COO, has been named as his successor.

Corwin, the president and chief executive officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, will retire Jan. 22, 2026. One of the system’s top leaders has been named as Corwin’s successor. Dr. Brian G. Donley, executive vice president and chief operating officer, has been appointed the next president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian.

Corwin began his career as a cardiologist. Under his leadership, the academic health system has doubled in size to 10 hospitals and nearly 200 primary and specialty care clinics.

“Serving as President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian has been the privilege of my lifetime,” Corwin said in a statement. “From my earliest days as a medical resident at Columbia to leading this extraordinary institution, I have been inspired by our mission to provide the very best care to every patient.”

Corwin also praised the health system’s board, management and the “world-class physicians and healthcare professionals” in the system.

“Every effort I put forth was matched or exceeded by our truly remarkable team members,” Corwin said.

Donley joined NewYork-Presbyterian in 2023. He began his career as an orthopedic surgeon, and he served as an executive with the Cleveland Clinic, including serving as the CEO of Cleveland Clinic London from 2018-2022.

“It’s an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead this extraordinary institution, which is recognized around the world for its exceptional clinical care, pioneering research, and commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare leaders,” Donley said in a statement.

“I understand the long history of NewYork-Presbyterian’s impact on our city and our country, and I am committed to enhancing that impact and building on Steve’s remarkable legacy of delivering world-class care and improving the health of our communities,” he added.

Corwin praised Donley and said the system will be in good hands under his leadership.

“Having worked closely with Brian over the last three years, I have complete confidence in him and look forward to his stewardship, knowing that NewYork-Presbyterian will continue to transform how health care is delivered, creating a healthier future for all,” Corwin said in a statement.

Board members offered thanks to Corwin for his long tenure as NewYork-Presbyterian’s CEO, and said Donley emerged as the right choice to take over.

In a statement, Adebayo O. Ogunlesi, co-chair of the system’s board, said, “Just as Dr. Corwin led NewYork-Presbyterian to achieve amazing advances with his optimism, Dr. Donley shares the same belief in the power of medicine to improve people’s lives, and we look forward to his leadership in continuing to transform how health care is delivered.”

NewYork-Presbyterian has $10 billion in revenue, according to Fitch Ratings. In May, the system announced a 2% reduction in its workforce, which equated to about 1,000 workers. The health system pointed to larger economic trends and anticipated challenges.

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