Bassett Healthcare Network Announces Appointment of Chief Nurse Executive, Leadership Changes

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, announces the appointment of Dr. Angela Belmont as chief nurse executive.

Dr. Belmont, who will begin her tenure at Bassett in August, brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing administration to the organization. Most recently, she served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Cooley Dickenson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham Health System in Massachusetts.

Dr. Belmont has deep roots in Central New York, having served from 2014 to 2017 as vice president of nursing for Mohawk Valley Health system, where she led efforts to significantly improve patient care services and outcomes across the system’s two hospital campuses. She has also worked in various positions at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica for more than 20 years.

“Dr. Belmont will be a wonderful addition to Bassett,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “She is a highly accomplished nurse and administrator, and her expertise, energy, and vision will help propel Bassett forward in many ways, including on its journey to Magnet designation and work to become a national leader in creating healthy rural communities.”

Dr. Belmont earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Administration degrees at the SUNY Institute of Technology – now SUNY Polytechnic Institute. She completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in System Leadership from Rush University in Chicago.

In addition to Dr. Belmont’s appointment, Bassett Healthcare Network announces several key leadership changes as the organization continues initiatives surrounding strategic integration and growth.

First, Dr. Reginald Q. Knight, who currently serves as chief hospital executive of A.O. Fox Hospital, has accepted a new position as chief integration officer. In this capacity, Dr. Knight will continue to serve as an important member of Bassett’s executive leadership team to lead large-scale strategic initiatives that drive network integration and growth.

As a result of Dr. Knight transitioning into his new chief integration officer role, Jeff Joyner, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, will return to A.O. Fox Hospital to serve as chief hospital executive. Joyner, who served as president of A.O. Fox Hospital from 2016 to 2020, will resume leadership responsibilities in Oneonta. Bassett’s Critical Access Hospital (CAH) division (Cobleskill Regional Hospital, Little Falls Hospital, and O’Connor Hospital in Delhi) will continue to be led by Eric Stein, chief hospital executive of CAHs. Leadership at both A.O. Fox Hospital and CAHs will report to Paul Swinko, executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer.

Additionally, Dr. Henry Weil, senior vice president, chief clinical and academic officer, will take on the supplemental role of chief operating officer of Bassett Medical Center. Dr. Weil will be assisted by Henry Knoop, PA, who has been named associate chief clinical officer for the network in addition to his duties as chief advanced practice officer.

Finally, Deanna Charles, who currently serves as vice president of operations for Bassett Medical Group, has been promoted to senior vice president, chief ambulatory and transformation officer for the network.

“I am energized by the great things that are happening at Bassett,” says Dr. Ibrahim. “While our leadership structure continues to evolve as it should, one thing that remains constant throughout is our focus on our people and creating the very best workplace environment possible. Bassett continues to advance its more than century-long legacy of innovative and exceptional patient care. Every day, we strive to exemplify Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett’s vision for rural care excellence.”