Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), operated by Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC), has named a nationally respected healthcare executive to be its new chief executive officer. The announcement was made on November 25.
Thomas W. Stokes has been named as its permanent CEO, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors. Stokes’ appointment marks a major milestone in efforts to strengthen the hospital’s leadership and long-term stability, according to NUMC.
Stokes replaces Megan Ryan, who is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against her former employer. As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, Ryan filed a lawsuit against NUMC claiming they did not adhere to the terms of her contract, they paid her less than her male counterparts and made her the subject of unfounded rumors.
NUMC filed a lawsuit against Ryan in August, alleging a sweeping pattern of misconduct, self-enrichment, and deliberate sabotage that compromised the hospital’s operations, finances, and mission to serve Nassau County residents, LILP previously reported.
With more than 25 years of experience overseeing finance and operations in top-tier healthcare institutions and local government, Stokes brings deep expertise and a longstanding commitment to public service. He will assume the role in January.
Korn Ferry, a nationally recognized executive search firm, led a rigorous process that began with nearly 400 candidates. From that group, 35 individuals were interviewed and assessed for their leadership ability, healthcare management experience, and commitment to mission-driven institutions. The board said Stokes quickly distinguished himself through his deep operational expertise, proven record in public service, and clear vision for NUMC’s future.
The process also included input from key stakeholders — including representatives of NUMC’s union, nursing staff, and medical leadership — all of whom expressed strong support for his candidacy. Following this comprehensive review, the Board of Directors unanimously selected him to lead the institution.
“I’m truly honored to become NUMC’s next CEO,” Stokes said. “Returning to serve the people of Nassau County is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Stokes began his career in the private sector with Ernst & Young and Cap Gemini, gaining experience at two globally respected firms, starting in EY’s healthcare consulting practice.
A lifelong New Yorker, he brings deep experience in planning and implementing financial and operational turnarounds, major health and human services initiatives, and innovative technology solutions. His public-sector service includes roles as a member of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), Deputy County Executive for Operations and Finance in Nassau County, CFO & Strategist for Nassau County Health & Human Services, and fiscal adviser to the Suffolk County Executive.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Tom — a highly experienced and widely respected healthcare leader — as NUMC’s new CEO,” said Board Chair Stuart Rabinowitz. “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the NHCC Board was restructured to bring stronger oversight and expertise to NUMC, and Tom’s appointment reflects that continued progress. His arrival strengthens a system that has already made important strides — increasing revenue, improving operations, and reducing costs.”
Stokes currently serves as chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine and vice president for finance at Cornell University, where he oversees financial strategy, planning, and operations for the organization and manages strategic and financial reporting to university leadership.
Prior to this role, he served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the Weill Cornell Medicine Physician Organization, and earlier as COO and CFO of Weill Cornell Imaging at New York-Presbyterian, where he helped guide both organizations through significant periods of growth, modernization, and operational turnaround.
“Tom’s background in both healthcare operations and public-sector finance gives us confidence in the hospital’s path toward greater stability and sustainability,” said NIFA Chairman and Director Richard M. Kessel. “We look forward to working with him to support continued improvements at the hospital.”
“I look forward to meeting and working alongside the dedicated team at NUMC, whose efforts are vital to this hospital’s mission,” Stokes said. “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.”
“Tom is a consummate professional whose long-term dedication, sage counsel and bold vision have been invaluable as we navigated an especially challenging time for academic medicine,” said Dr. Robert A. Harrington, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine. “More importantly, Tom leads with values, purpose and commitment to the mission, and I have no doubt that Nassau Health Care Corporation will thrive under his leadership.”
Rabinowitz admitted “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.”