Thomas Stokes named permanent chief executive of NUMC

Thomas Stokes will lead East Meadow-based Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) as its permanent CEO, beginning in January, though an exact date has not yet been set.

The veteran healthcare leader — who currently serves as chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine and vice president for finance at Cornell University — will run Nassau County‘s only public safety-net hospital, which is operated by Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC).

Stokes is expected to bring strengthened leadership and long-term stability, following a national search that was conducted by Korn Ferry, an executive search firm, and a unanimous vote by the NHCC Board of Directors. That search brought in nearly 400 candidates. Stokes brings more than 25 years of experience overseeing finance and operations in top healthcare institutions and local government, along with expertise and commitment to public service.

The selection process also included input from key stakeholders — representatives of NUMC’s union, nursing staff and medical leadership.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Tom — a highly experienced and widely respected healthcare leader — as NUMC’s new CEO,” Board Chair Stuart Rabinowitz said in a news release about Stokes’ appointment.

The hospital has struggled financially for years. Increasing medical costs, political in-fighting, inflation, challenges with Medicaid reimbursement and a reduction in New York State aid have all played a role in the financial challenges faced by NUMC, as LIBN has previously reported.

But Stokes is expected to strengthen NUMC, according to the hospital’s board.

“Under Gov. [Kathry] Hochul’s leadership, the NHCC Board was restructured to bring stronger oversight and expertise to NUMC, and Tom’s appointment reflects that continued progress,” Rabinowitz said.

Rabinowitz said that Stokes’ “arrival strengthens a system that has already made important strides — increasing revenue, improving operations and reducing costs. There is still work ahead, but I’m confident we’ve chosen the right leader to continue this progress and ensure NUMC remains a lifeline for Nassau County’s most vulnerable residents. I also want to thank Dr. Richard Becker for his steady leadership during this critical period — and am grateful he will continue serving as interim CEO until Mr. Stokes transitions into the role in January.”

“Tom’s background in both healthcare operations and public-sector finance gives us confidence in the hospital’s path toward greater stability and sustainability,” Nassau County Interim Finance Authority Chairman and Director Richard Kessel said in the news release. “We look forward to working with him to support continued improvements at the hospital.”

Earlier in his career, Stokes served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Imaging at New York-Presbyterian, where he helped guide both organizations through growth, modernization and operational turnaround.

“I’m truly honored to become NUMC’s next CEO. Returning to serve the people of Nassau County is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m ready to get to work,” Stokes said in the news release.

“I look forward to meeting and working alongside the dedicated team at NUMC, whose efforts are vital to this hospital’s mission,” he added. “Together with our partners in government and the Board, we will work to stabilize the institution and position it for long-term sustainability. This hospital is essential to the health and well-being of the community, and I’m committed to ensuring it remains strong for the patients and families who rely on it every day.”

Stokes began his career in the private sector with Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini, starting in EY’s healthcare consulting practice. A lifelong New Yorker, he brings experience in planning and implementing financial and operational turnarounds, major health and human services initiatives and innovation.

His public-sector service includes roles as a member of NIFA, deputy county executive for operations and finance in Nassau County under Tom Suozzi, when he was county executive, and as chief financial officer and strategist for Nassau County Health & Human Services. He had also served as a fiscal adviser to Steve Bellone, when he was Suffolk County executive.