Catholic Health CEO resigns, next head appointed

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) – One of the largest healthcare systems in western New York is transitioning under new leadership.

President and CEO Mark Sullivan is stepping down after 30 years with the company, it was announced Wednesday morning. His career began in 1994 as an intern at Sisters Hospital before later moving to senior positions at Catholic Health such as Chief Operating Officer. In 2018 he was appointed President and CEO.

According to Catholic Health’s Corporate Members & Sponsors Council, Joyce Markiewicz, the health system’s executive vice president and chief business development officer, will take his place.

The change isn’t sudden, with council leader Robert Zapfel saying transition planning “has been underway for quite some time.”

“Joyce’s strong advocacy for our patients, doctors and caregivers; track record; stable management style; and her dedication to Catholic Health’s mission made her the ideal person to be our next President and CEO,” said Board Chair Maureen Athoe.

Catholic Health recognizes Sullivan for pioneering plans to develop Lockport Memorial Hospital, the new Catholic healthcare facility designed to fill the void left by the closure of Eastern Niagara Hospital. Slated to open in November, in the meantime, Catholic Health has a temporary emergency department on Transit Road in Lockport, which opened last June.

Bishop Michael Fisher, leader of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese, had kind words for Sullivan and Markiewicz.

“He has helped drive healthcare transformation in our community and we pray for God’s blessings on him,” Fisher said. “We also bless Joyce Markiewicz on her appointment as President and CEO of Catholic Health. Her experience, expertise, and dedication to advancing health care in our community will help those associated with Catholic Health continue our shared ministry of healing and service to all in need.”

According to Catholic Health, going forward, Sullivan plans to “seize opportunities to mentor, educate, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Markiewicz, like Sullivan, has a long history at Catholic Health dating back to 2005 when she became vice president of home care operations. Markiewicz previously worked as a registered nurse and as a leader in home healthcare organizations.

Since first joining Catholic Health, Markiewicz has also served as President and CEO of Home Care and President and CEO of Home & Community Based Care. She will take up her new role on September 1 and will be the company’s fifth President and CEO since its inception in be 1998.