MJHS Health System Announces President and CEO Succession Plan
Board of Directors selects David Wagner to succeed Alexander S. Balko as President and CEO effective January 1, 2022
MJHS Health System announced today that its Board of Directors has selected David Wagner, current Chief Operating Officer of MJHS Health System and President of MJHS Health Plans, to assume the role of MJHS Health System President and CEO on January 1, 2022. Wagner has been with MJHS since 1999 and brings extensive experience on both the provider and payor sides of the system. His promotion will follow the planned retirement of Alexander S. Balko at the end of this year.
“The Board deeply appreciates Alex Balko’s many contributions to MJHS Health System, which he leaves a stronger organization,” said Danielle Rollmann, Chair of the MJHS Health System Board of Directors. “Throughout his 22 years of service, 7 as CEO, Alex has been dedicated to our mission, the people MJHS cares for, growth of the organization, as well as the well-being and development of our people,” Rollmann noted.
“The Board underwent a thorough succession planning process. It was clear before, and increasingly clear during the pandemic, that David Wagner is the right person to lead the organization following Alex’s decision to retire. David is a strategic health care executive who shares a strong commitment to our mission, knows both the provider and payor sides of the organization, and has an impressive track record of driving substantial growth and quality improvements that include achieving Five Star ratings for our MAP and MLTCP plans.,” Rollmann added.
Wagner joined MJHS Health System as Director of Budget and Reimbursement in 1999. During the following fifteen years, he worked exclusively on the provider side of MJHS. In 2014, he moved over to Elderplan as Chief Financial Officer. A year later, he was promoted and added COO of Elderplan to his title and responsibilities. In February 2019, Wagner was named President of MJHS Health Plans, which include Elderplan, for Medicare and Dual Eligible beneficiaries, and its managed long-term care plan, HomeFirst. In September 2020, his responsibilities expanded to include serving as Chief Operating Officer of MJHS Health System. Prior to joining MJHS Health System, Wagner was a health care consultant. He was also a Supervisor-Auditor with Loeb & Troper.
“It’s been an honor to be part of the MJHS family for more than 20 years,” said Alexander S Balko. He continued, “David Wagner is the right person to lead this organization into the future. He is deservedly credited with turning around Elderplan, driving substantial growth, expanding our MAP and I-SNP programs, introducing our IE-SNP (the only dedicated plan for residents of assisted living communities in NY State), as well as making quality a major priority. I look forward to working with David and the leadership team on a smooth and seamless transition.”
“From one year to the next, the not-for-profit health care sector has been impacted by extraordinary changes,” said David Wagner. He added, “It’s an honor that the MJHS Board of Directors trusts me to further build on our rich heritage as a mission-driven organization, seek innovative opportunities for growth, identify strategic solutions to the challenges the industry continues to face, and lead our staff. It’s been a distinct pleasure working alongside Alex. I can’t thank him enough for his continuous support during my years at MJHS and as I transition into my new role.”
