11/12/2024
Denise George will retire as president of Northern Dutchess Hospital at the end of this year
After a distinguished 48-year career in healthcare, including 25 years at Northern Dutchess Hospital, President Denise George will retire at the end of 2024. Dr. Andy Wilson, currently serving as vice president of medical affairs, has been appointed as her successor, effective January 1, 2025.
George’s leadership has been instrumental in Northern Dutchess Hospital’s growth and success. During her 17 years as president, the hospital achieved numerous accolades, including the prestigious five-star rating from CMS and consistently high patient satisfaction and employee engagement scores.
“Denise has been the heart and soul of Northern Dutchess Hospital for the past 25 years,” said Michelle Robertson, chief operating officer at Nuvance Health. “Her vision and dedication have not only shaped the hospital but have also had a profound impact on the entire community. We are incredibly grateful for her service and leadership.”
George’s decades of dedication pave the way for new leadership at Northern Dutchess Hospital
George began her journey at Northern Dutchess Hospital in 1999 as vice president of clinical care services and chief nursing officer. She later served as chief operating officer before becoming president in 2007. Her tenure was marked by strategic growth, including the successful integration of Northern Dutchess Hospital into Nuvance Health, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and making critical decisions to repurpose facilities for new clinical services.
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“Leading Northern Dutchess Hospital has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” George said. “I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues, the trust of our patients and the opportunity to serve this wonderful community. I am also thankful for partnering with our extraordinary donor community that has always pulled through with their generosity and love for helping the hospital to thrive. I am confident Dr. Wilson will continue to build on our successes and lead Northern Dutchess into a bright future.”
Wilson is dedicated to building on George’s strong foundation and providing our community with high-quality care
Dr. Wilson joined Northern Dutchess Hospital in 2012 as medical director for the emergency department, where he quickly demonstrated his commitment to patient care and leadership. Promoted to vice president of medical affairs in 2020, he has been a key member of the hospital’s executive team, playing a crucial role in clinical decision-making, operational strategy and managing the hospital’s response to the pandemic.
“I am truly honored to follow in Denise’s footsteps and lead Northern Dutchess Hospital into the future,” Dr. Wilson said. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Denise over the past 12 years, and I have seen firsthand the impact of her leadership. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure a smooth transition and to building on the strong foundation she has established.”
Susan Browning, western regional president for Nuvance Health, added, “Dr. Wilson’s deep understanding of our hospital and his unwavering commitment to patient care makes him the ideal leader to take the helm at Northern Dutchess Hospital. We are excited to see him bring our vision to life, continuing the legacy of excellence that Denise has established.”
Northern Dutchess Hospital’s commitment to excellence will continue with new leadership
As Northern Dutchess Hospital embarks on this new chapter, the hospital remains committed to providing the highest quality care to the community it serves. A new vice president of medical affairs will transition into the role in early 2025 and George will continue to support the hospital in a consultative role to ensure a seamless transition.