PeaceHealth picks new CEO to succeed longtime leader, and more | MED MOVES

Sarah Ness has been named the next president and CEO of PeaceHealth, a Catholic health system based in Washington.

Sarah Ness, left, and Liz Dunne

Ness, PeaceHealth’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer, will take the post on Jan. 3, 2026. She will succeed Liz Dunne, who has led PeaceHealth for a decade.

In a post on LinkedIn, Ness wrote, “I am honored to be selected as the next president and CEO of PeaceHealth. I’ve devoted over two decades of my career to this ministry because I believe in its Mission, its people and our shared purpose. I’m grateful for Liz Dunne’s visionary leadership, and I look forward to building on her legacy as we continue to care for our communities.”

Ness pushed an initiative, Women of Peace, to help find and keep talented people in the system.

During her tenure as CEO, Dunne is credited with improving safety metrics at PeaceHealth, including five consecutive ‘A’ grades from the Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Grades.

“Leading PeaceHealth has been the most meaningful chapter of my career,” Dunne said in a statement. “Inspired by the courageous compassion of the founding Sisters, together we’ve reimagined what healthcare can be — rooted in dignity, community and the deeper roots of health.

Based in Vancouver, Wash., PeaceHealth serves communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The system operates nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics.

Tim Hingtgen

CHS leader is planning to retire

After leading Community Health Systems for more than four years, Tim Hingtgen has announced his plans to retire.

Hingtgen plans to retire as CEO and as a member of the company’s board on Sept. 30, 2025. CHS says he will likely advise the system under a “counseling agreement.”

When Hingtgen retires, Kevin Hammons, who currently serves as president and chief financial officer of CHS, will assume the role of interim chief executive officer. Jason K. Johnson, who currently serves as senior vice president and the system’s chief accounting officer, will become interim chief financial officer.

Hingtgen has spent nearly 18 years with CHS, serving as president and chief operating officer from September 2016 to December 2020. He became CEO in January 2021.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as the chief executive officer of CHS and incredibly gratifying to lead an organization that is devoted to helping people get well and live healthier. I am so proud of the accomplishments we’ve made and I look forward to watching the CHS team continue to achieve their goals,” Hingtgen said in a statement.

“My decision to retire this year is for personal reasons, including a desire to spend more time with my family and to pursue a few dreams I have for my life,” he said. “This is the right time for me to do that.”

Based in Franklin, Tennessee, CHS operates 70 hospitals and more than 1,000 sites of care in 14 states.

Jason Barrett

George Washington University Hospital appoints new CEO

Jason Barrett has been named the new CEO of The George Washington University Hospital.

Barrett will begin his new role on Aug. 18. He will also serve as group vice president of Universal Health Services’s District of Columbia market.

With his new role, Barrett will also oversee the new Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health. Anthony B. Coleman, the medical center’s CEO, will report to Barrett.

Barrett brings more than 25 years of experience to the post. He joined Universal Health Services in 2023 as CEO of the Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo, Texas.

Edward Sim, president of the acute care division of Universal Health Services, said Barrett is well suited to lead George Washington University Hospital.

“Jason’s extensive professional experience in healthcare, dedication to healthcare excellence and strategic planning make him an ideal fit for our organization,” Sim said in a statement. “We believe his leadership will contribute to the continued growth and world-renowned status of GW Hospital.”

Dr. Cheryl Cioffi

Frederick Health names new CEO

After years of moving up the ranks, Dr. Cheryl Cioffi was recently named president and chief executive officer of Frederick Health in Maryland.

Cioffi has spent nearly 30 years with the organization and has held several leadership posts, including chief nursing officer, chief operating officer and chief administrative officer of the system.

She began in her new role on July 1, succeeding Tom Kleinhanzl, who will retire on October 31, 2025. Until his retirement, he will serve as CEO-emeritus.

“I’m honored to lead this organization at such an important time in healthcare,” said Dr. Cioffi said in a statement. “Our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care inspires me every day! I’m excited to build on our strong foundation as we continue to serve and grow with our community.”

Daryl Boffman, vice chairman of Frederick Health’s board of directors, said Cioffi was chosen after a national search.

"Cheryl possesses the strategic vision, operational expertise, and leadership experience that made her the ideal choice to serve as our next President and CEO," Boffman said in a statement.