BRATTLEBORO — On March 18, the Board of Directors of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) announced the appointment of Christopher J. Dougherty as the organization's new president and chief executive officer, effective May 9.
Dougherty succeeds outgoing CEO Steven R. Gordon, who will retire in April after serving 11 years in that post.
“We'd like to extend a very warm welcome to Chris Dougherty, who throughout his career has been known for his inclusive leadership style, impressive financial accomplishments, and the successful outcomes of his many initiatives,” Rhonda Calhoun, chair of the BMH Board of Directors, said in a news release. “Chris believes deeply in a team-based, quality care approach, and he is anxious to work with our partners locally and throughout the state to ensure BMH's role as the centerpiece of our community.”
Dougherty comes to BMH from Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, Calif., where he has served as its administrator since 2018.
Prior to his tenure with Shriners, Dougherty served in a number of leadership roles including as CEO of Covenant Women's and Children's Hospital and Lakeside Campus in Lubbock, Texas, and as Chief Culture and Experience Officer for Covenant Health, West Texas and Eastern New Mexico Region, also based in Lubbock.
According to BMH, Dougherty has been a successful contributor throughout his career “to organization-wide strategic planning initiatives as well as targeted projects to improve patient satisfaction, control costs, and expand specialty care services.”
“I am extremely humbled, honored, and excited to join the incredible team at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital,” said Dougherty. “I really look forward to working with people at every level of the organization, and to continue building and strengthening the hospital's rich legacy as a hub of hope, health, and healing for Brattleboro and surrounding communities.”
Dougherty holds a master's degree in business administration, with a concentration on medical services administration, from Widener University in Chester, Pa. He is a current member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
He will relocate to Brattleboro with his wife Wendy. Chris and Wendy have two adult children, Shane and Courtney.