LFH News

New President & CEO Announced at Little Falls Hospital
Posted June 6, 2009

Little Falls, NY - John D. Bullis, chairperson, announced the appointment of Michael L. Ogden as president and chief executive officer effective June 15, 2009.

Ogden comes to Little Falls Hospital from Community Memorial Hospital of Hamilton, N.Y., where he has served as vice president of Administrative Services since 1997.

"The Board of Trustees of Little Falls Hospital and administrative staff at Bassett Healthcare worked effectively on a collaborative basis during the search process," Bullis said. "Mike's operational and strategic experience and his ability to meet the challenges and complexities inherent in the healthcare industry will benefit both Bassett Healthcare and Little Falls Hospital in the months and years ahead. These and his keen awareness of the need for effective interpersonal, employee and community relations are all factors which supported his candidacy and impressed the board, "stated John Bullis, Chairperson of LFH's Board of Trustees.

James Vielkind, chief financial officer & vice president of Finance has been interim President & CEO since the announcement of Jonathan Lawrence's resignation as president and CEO in December 2008. "We were indeed fortunate to have someone of Jim's caliber to step up to the plate as we transitioned to a new CEO. Jim and the leadership team continued to implement and take actions on initiatives in key areas of patient satisfaction, financial management, the completion of facility upgrades, information technology, and opportunities to increase all services during the CEO search process," Bullis said.

Mr. Ogden has a bachelor's degree in professional studies, health services management from SUNY IT and a Master of Business Administration from Empire State College. He is currently board president for the Central New York Area Health Education Center and the Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corp. "I appreciate and understand the challenges that face hospitals of Little Falls Hospital's size and rural location, but I also know the importance and critical role we serve in the community and region, not only as a health care provider but as integral partners in economic development and community. I look forward to playing a key role in furthering the culture of excellence and service for the hospital, community and throughout the greater Bassett Healthcare service area", says Ogden.