By Jolene Cleaver
As New York braces for potential Medicaid cuts and hospitals nationwide face mounting workforce pressures, Mohawk Valley Health System is looking ahead with new leadership at the helm.
The MVHS board of directors named physician William W. LeCates, president and chief executive officer of the health system, effective Oct. 20. He succeeds Darlene Stromstad, who is retiring after nearly seven years of service.
“Dr. LeCates is a proven leader with a deep understanding of healthcare systems and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” said Richard Zweifel, chairman of the MVHS board of directors. “His clinical expertise, operational experience and knowledge of the region make him uniquely suited to lead MVHS into its next chapter.”
Building the workforce
LeCates said his priority as CEO is to support and expand the health system’s workforce, which today numbers about 3,500 across the health system footprint.
“We really must focus on nurturing, growing and training people,” he said. “When it comes to healthcare jobs, we partner as best we can with schools and technical programs, while also supporting employee advancement opportunities. We need people with a broad range of training and licensures and I hope to continue to attract top talent.”
That strategy is already in motion, he said.
MVHS works closely with its St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, where many graduates go on to become MVHS nurses. Graduate medical education programs in family medicine and psychiatry also play a critical role in retention, with some physicians choosing to stay in Utica after residency.
“We’re trying to grow our own in this way and bring doctors to Utica,” LeCates said. “The work here has to be uplifting and empowering. It has to be a great place to work.”
A time of change
LeCates steps into the role during a period of deep financial uncertainty in healthcare. Medicaid remains a lifeline for New Yorkers, with about 44% of residents receiving benefits through programs such as Child Health Plus, disability coverage and long-term care, according to recent published figures.
Addressing concerns surrounding the “Big, Beautiful Bill” passed in Congress, LeCates said, “There’s a risk in the future that some individuals that are covered by Medicaid might lose that coverage or there could be a situation where retaining that coverage becomes more difficult … Those uncertainties will unfold over the next few years.”
According to an analysis jointly conducted by the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State, New York could lose 34,000 hospital jobs, along with $14.4 billion in hospital-generated economic activity, if the proposed Medicaid cuts take effect.
From bedside to boardroom
LeCates brings more than 25 years of experience in medicine and healthcare leadership. For the past 14 months, he has served as MVHS chief operating officer, overseeing clinical and operational support services, supervising product lines and working closely with medical education. He also maintained a limited clinical practice in internal medicine and nephrology.
Before joining MVHS, he served as president and COO of Bassett Medical Center. In the private sector, he worked as executive director with JPMorgan Chase, where he oversaw healthcare operations for 22 U.S. health centers serving more than 150,000 employees.
“Two things prepared me most for this role,” LeCates said. “One would be years of practice as a bedside physician. That shapes my view and my goals around the purpose of this organization. It’s about how we take care of patients. The second would be working here at MVHS for the last 14 months. This is a remarkable place.”
LeCates completed his undergraduate degree at Amherst College and earned his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine and nephrology at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Planning for the future
LeCates said his focus as CEO will be on strengthening both primary and specialty care, while ensuring that care delivery fundamentals remain strong.
“Demand for healthcare is so high here,” he said. “Currently we’re working to make sure delivery and fundamentals are perfect. We want to serve people in the community and grow primary and specialty care.”
He emphasized gratitude for the caregivers he will now lead. “I am really grateful to the people who come to work at MVHS across this whole region. That has been a real highlight for me,” LeCates said.
Board chairman Zweifel credited Stromstad, the outgoing CEO, with guiding MVHS through the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the completion of Wynn Hospital. She will continue to serve as an advisor through the end of the year.
For his part, LeCates said he is honored to carry the organization forward.
“Working alongside the extraordinary caregivers at MVHS over the past year has been a tremendous privilege,” he said. “Together, we have before us a wonderful opportunity to grow and evolve in bringing the very best quality healthcare to all the communities we serve. I am truly grateful to lead MVHS at this critically important time.”
William W. LeCates at a Glance
With MVHS since: 2024.
Education: Completed his medical degree, internship, residency and fellowship in nephrology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland.
Career Highlights: Began his career in healthcare over 25 years ago and brings extensive expertise and experience to MVHS from a wide range of organizations and positions. Came to MVHS from JPMorgan Chase where he provided clinical oversight of the healthcare operations of 22 US health centers serving more than 150,000 employees. Previously served as president of Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown. Also brings extensive military leadership experience. A colonel in the Army Medical Corps, he currently serves as the New York Army National Guard State Surgeon. He is a graduate of the United States Army War College and has served overseas tours in Afghanistan, Iraq and Liberia.
Current affiliations: Board certified in internal medicine and nephrology; fellow of American College of Physicians; member of American Society of Nephrology.
What is your biggest challenge in your current position? “MVHS has tremendously talented individuals working at locations throughout Utica and across the surrounding areas. As a new leader, my greatest challenge is getting to know the people, the history and the community. Personal presence and listening have taught me a lot about this outstanding organization. I look forward to helping MVHS grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Source: 2025 CNY Healthcare Guide