In a significant shake-up for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, CEO Christopher Dougherty has officially stepped down and will not return following his leave of absence, the hospital announced today. The decision marks the end of Dougherty’s decade-long tenure and triggers an immediate nationwide search for new leadership to guide one of Vermont’s key healthcare management institutions.
The hospital, a cornerstone of medical services in southeastern Vermont, emphasized its commitment to maintaining seamless continuity of care amid the transition. Board Chair Elena Vasquez stated, “While we respect Mr. Dougherty’s contributions, this change allows us to refocus on our core mission of exceptional patient care in the Brattleboro community.”
This development comes at a pivotal time for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, which serves over 25,000 patients annually across Windham County and beyond, navigating post-pandemic recovery, staffing shortages, and evolving healthcare management demands in rural Vermont.
Dougherty’s Decade of Transformation at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital
Christopher Dougherty joined Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in 2014 as CEO, inheriting a facility facing financial pressures and outdated infrastructure. Under his leadership, the 61-bed acute care hospital underwent a remarkable turnaround. Key achievements included a $15 million expansion of the emergency department in 2018, which reduced average wait times by 35% and increased capacity for critical cases.
“Dougherty’s vision modernized our operations,” recalled Dr. Maria Lopez, Chief Medical Officer. “We implemented electronic health records fully by 2019, improving coordination with regional partners like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.”
Financially, the hospital achieved three consecutive years of surplus budgets from 2020 to 2022, despite COVID-19 challenges. Dougherty spearheaded a telehealth program that now handles 20% of outpatient visits, crucial for Vermont’s aging population and rural access issues. Enrollment in the hospital’s wellness initiatives grew by 150%, targeting chronic conditions like diabetes prevalent in the region.
However, recent years brought headwinds. Inflation in medical supplies rose 12% in 2023, per Vermont Health Care Association data, straining healthcare management. Staff turnover hit 18% last year, mirroring statewide trends where Vermont hospitals lost 2,500 workers since 2020.
Timeline and Circumstances of Dougherty’s Leave of Absence
Dougherty’s leave began in late 2023, initially described as personal. Hospital spokesperson Tim Reilly confirmed it stemmed from health-related matters but provided no further details, respecting privacy. “The board supported Chris fully during this period,” Reilly said.
Speculation arose in local media about internal challenges. A leaked internal memo, obtained by this outlet, referenced board discussions on strategic direction amid declining reimbursements from Medicare, which covers 45% of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital‘s patients. Vermont’s Medicaid expansion helped, but rural hospitals like BMH face a $50 million statewide shortfall projected for 2024.
The board’s unanimous decision for Dougherty not to return was made after a performance review in March 2024. “This was not a termination but a mutual parting to ensure fresh perspectives in leadership,” Vasquez explained in a statement. Dougherty, 58, will receive a severance package details of which remain confidential, per hospital policy.
Hospital Prioritizes Continuity of Care in Leadership Shift
To mitigate disruptions, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has named Interim CEO Rebecca Harlan, a 20-year veteran of Vermont healthcare management. Harlan previously served as COO, overseeing daily operations including the hospital’s Level III trauma center and birthing unit, which delivered 450 babies last year.
“Our patients won’t notice a change,” Harlan assured. Measures include:
- A dedicated transition team monitoring key metrics like ER diversion rates (currently under 2%).
- Enhanced staff retention bonuses, totaling $500,000 allocated for 2024.
- Partnerships with Vermont’s Agency of Human Services for emergency staffing support.
Patient satisfaction scores remain high at 92/100, per recent Press Ganey surveys, bolstering confidence. The hospital’s oncology services, a regional draw treating 1,200 patients yearly, will continue uninterrupted, with no elective procedures postponed.
Community and Staff Respond to CEO Departure News
Reactions in Brattleboro, a town of 12,000 near the New Hampshire border, are mixed. Local business leader Tom Whitaker of the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce praised Dougherty: “He was instrumental in our health initiative collaborations, saving local jobs during the pandemic.”
Yet, nurses union rep Sarah Jenkins voiced concerns: “We’ve seen good changes, but burnout is real. New leadership must address wages lagging 10% behind national averages.” A staff survey post-announcement showed 65% approval for the change, citing needs for innovation.
Vermont lawmakers weighed in. State Sen. Nader Hashim (D-Windham) said, “BMH is vital to our district. We’ll advocate for more state funding in the next budget.” Community forums at the hospital drew 150 attendees last week, focusing on transparency in the CEO search.
Broader Vermont context: With 14 acute care hospitals, the state grapples with consolidation pressures. Nearby Grace Cottage Hospital in Townshend merged leadership roles last year, a model some suggest for BMH.
Nationwide CEO Search Kicks Off with Clear Priorities
The search committee, chaired by Vasquez and including physicians, trustees, and community reps, has engaged executive firm Korn Ferry. Desired traits for the new CEO: Proven rural healthcare management experience, financial acumen, and innovation in telehealth/AI diagnostics.
“We’re targeting candidates from New England and Midwest systems,” said search lead Dr. Amit Patel. The process unfolds in phases:
- April-May 2024: Applications reviewed (50+ expected).
- June-July: Interviews with top 10.
- August: Finalists announced, onboarding by September.
Salary range: $350,000-$450,000, competitive for Vermont. Diversity is prioritized, following national trends where 28% of hospital CEOs are women, up from 15% in 2010.
Looking ahead, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital eyes expansion into behavioral health, with a $10 million grant application pending. Challenges persist—Vermont’s healthcare spending per capita tops $12,000 annually—but opportunities abound in value-based care models. Harlan noted, “This transition positions us stronger for sustainable growth, ensuring top-tier care for generations in Windham County and beyond.”
As the search progresses, stakeholders watch closely, hopeful for leadership that builds on Dougherty’s foundation while tackling Vermont’s unique rural healthcare landscape.
