Mary Washington Healthcare Announces CEO Transition

Fredericksburg, VA (December 2, 2024) – Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) announced today that Michael McDermott, President and Chief Executive Officer, will depart the organization to take a new position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Montage Health in Monterey, CA.

Dr. Christopher Newman, current Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer following Dr. McDermott’s departure. To ensure a smooth transition, Dr. McDermott will continue to lead the organization into the Spring of 2025.

Dr. McDermott has served as CEO of MWHC since 2015. A diagnostic and interventional radiologist by training, he previously practiced medicine with Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg and is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology.

“I am extremely proud of everything Mary Washington Healthcare has achieved during my time as CEO and I am confident that under Dr. Newman’s leadership, the system will continue to grow and advance,” said Dr. McDermott. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead MWHC for the past 10 years, and I’m excited to watch its progress continue under Chris’ leadership.”

Dr. McDermott served the system through a period filled with both challenges and growth. During his time as CEO, he navigated the pandemic response and led several initiatives that positioned MWHC as the region’s premier healthcare provider, expanding access throughout surrounding areas through stand-alone emergency departments and ambulatory medical hubs.

Under Dr. McDermott’s leadership, MWHC has realized tremendous growth in services, facilities, and medical providers. The fiscal status of Mary Washington Healthcare has strengthened, and MWHC has received three bond rating upgrades during his tenure as CEO. Mary Washington Healthcare’s community benefit has broadened, and Dr. McDermott was instrumental in establishing Mary Washington Hospital as a teaching hospital through the creation of its graduate medical education program.

Dr. Newman has been with MWHC since 2019. He previously served as the Chief Medical Officer for Penn State Health St. Joseph Regional Health Network and led operations for Penn State Health’s Medical Group. Dr. Newman earned his medical degree from Georgetown University and completed his residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

“I’m deeply honored to be selected for the role of CEO, and I’m committed to continuing our mission of improving the health of the people in our communities,” Dr. Newman said. “As our system continues to grow rapidly, I’m excited to build on our momentum from the past several years and to keep working to make Mary Washington the best health system for our providers, team members, patients and community members.”

Board Chair Bruce Davis expressed confidence that Dr. Newman is the right person to lead the system’s next chapter. “I speak for the whole Board of Trustees when I say we have complete faith in Dr. Newman and his abilities to lead MWHC,” said Davis. “Under his leadership, I am confident that we will continue investing in the quality and scope of care that Dr. McDermott so admirably advanced during his time with us. I and the Board know that Mary Washington Healthcare will be in good hands moving forward.”

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About Mary Washington Healthcare 
Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at over 60 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital, Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital, four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to provide care regardless of ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com. 

About Montage Health
Montage Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization with deep roots in Monterey County dating back more than 90 years. Independent and locally owned, Montage Health was created by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula to deliver exceptional care beyond the hospital. Montage Health now also includes MoGo Urgent Care, Montage Wellness Center, Montage Health Foundation, Montage Medical Group for primary and specialty care, Aspire Health, and Ohana, Montage Health’s family-focused mental health program for youth. Montage Health is continually investing in healthcare innovations to make the highest standard of care accessible to everyone in Monterey County. Learn more at montagehealth.org.