Separation of Leadership Roles for Bassett Healthcare Network & Bassett Medical Center

Vance M. Brown, MD, announced Friday, Nov. 3, that he is stepping down as President of Bassett Medical Center (BMC), but will remain Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bassett Healthcare Network (BHN). William LeCates, MD, currently medical director and VP of Medical Affairs for BMC, has agreed to step in as Deputy President of Bassett Medical Center while a transition team works to develop a plan of succession.

In making the announcement, Dr. Brown said, "I have greatly enjoyed my work as President of Bassett Medical Center and have been able to bear witness to the great work being done every day on behalf of our patients. I will continue to serve as CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. With the adoption of an active parent model January 1, 2017, the breadth and depth of my current responsibilities of overseeing network operations demand my full attention so that we can successfully address the larger issues facing the organization today. I have great confidence in Dr. LeCates' ability to lead the hospital and will be available to him as needed during the transition process."

As Deputy President of Bassett Medical Center, Dr. LeCates' responsibilities will include patient care, quality and safety, strategy, financial management, and recruiting.

"I am very appreciative of Dr. Brown's leadership over the past three years and I'm especially grateful that he will continue to be available during the transition process," said Dr. LeCates. "I will remain deeply committed to Bassett's mission of supporting health and wellness throughout this broad region of New York State, and I am honored to continue serving alongside Bassett's many fine and dedicated employees."

Over the past six years as medical director for BMC, Dr. LeCates has managed physician and advanced practice clinician credentialing and medical staff affairs. He has also served as the physician advisor to the hospital's quality assurance programs, performance improvement and risk management operations. More recently, since being appointed VP of Medical Affairs in June of this year, Dr. LeCates has had oversight of care management and clinical excellence, which includes the areas of quality management, clinical effectiveness, infection control, risk management, accreditation and regulatory readiness.

Dr. Timothy A. Pedley, chairman of the Bassett Healthcare Network Board of Trustees, said, "We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Brown's leadership at a time when health care facilities are under enormous pressure from new regulatory requirements, increased costs and declining payments.  Dr. Brown's knowledge and familiarity with the challenges facing all health care facilities, but especially those in rural areas with significant dependence on Medicaid reimbursement have provided firm and consistent guidance during challenging times. We look forward to his continued work on behalf of Bassett Healthcare Network, and the BHN board anticipates supporting the transition process for BMC under Dr. LeCates' interim leadership in ways that will continue the strong forward progress of the entire network."