Bassett at 100 by Dr. Tommy Ibrahim

Bidding Bassett a Fond Farewell

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Colleagues,

The New Year is traditionally a time to reflect on where we have been, set new goals, embark on new adventures, and is a perfect time for fresh starts.

Over the next few days, I will be wrapping up my tenure as president and chief executive officer of Bassett Healthcare Network, and a dynamic, deeply dedicated new interim CEO, Staci Thompson, will take the helm. Before I introduce you to Staci, I want to say thank you to every member of the communities we serve, and to all our colleagues for entrusting the leadership of this amazing institution to me for the past three and a half years. I continue to be honored and humbled for the opportunity.

Bassett is remarkable for many reasons, but most notably for its caregivers and for the outstanding support of the community it serves. In the time I have been with Bassett, I have been awed by the devotion of every caregiver to our patients, and to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement that guides us in everything we do.

As I think about my last three and a half years with Bassett Healthcare Network, my time here has been the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling of my career. I am especially proud of the work our health system and caregivers did to guide and protect our community through the COVID-19 pandemic with compassion, courage, and selflessness. I have immense gratitude for everything we have accomplished together for our patients and our communities. These achievements are the direct result of every member of the Bassett team working together. I’m proud to say that, today, Bassett Healthcare Network is stronger and more integrated as an organization than ever before.

My decision to step down as president and CEO was incredibly difficult. After several months of reflection, this was purely a personal decision driven by the need and desire to be more present with my family as a husband and father. As proud as I am of the work that Bassett Healthcare Network is doing in rural health—nothing is more important to me than my son, daughter, and wife.

At the same time, Bassett Healthcare Network is embarking on a new year with optimism and profound commitment to the mission of improving the health of our patients and the well-being of our communities. I am confident that our communities will continue to benefit from the amazing energy and resources that are in motion.

We have worked to build strategic and meaningful partnerships that will bolster Bassett’s vitality not only locally, but also as a leader in rural health excellence. Bassett has strong relationships with industry leaders like Optum, which is greatly improving Bassett’s resources related to information technology, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle management; growing access to advanced digital technology with Andreessen Horowitz Bio + Health (a16z); and, coming in 2024, exciting plans to open a specialty pharmacy with Geisinger. Additionally, Bassett has expanded advanced virtual heart care with Columbia University; added clinical trials and new treatments for cancer, launched a new program with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College to retain new graduates in the region, opened a 22nd school-based health center at Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, is significantly growing access to care with new virtual care options, and increasing surgical capabilities at A.O. Fox Hospital, among so many other initiatives. I am so proud of this important work that will benefit our patients and communities for many decades to come.

Bassett is well-poised for success with capable and expert leaders at the helm. I am so excited to introduce Staci Thompson as interim CEO. Since arriving at Bassett Healthcare Network in May 2023, she has done incredible work across the organization, established her credibility, and earned the respect of everyone she has worked with. Staci came to Bassett from The Guthrie Clinic, where she held several executive leadership positions, including executive vice president and chief operating officer for Guthrie Medical Group. Staci spent more than 30 years at Guthrie. She has a thorough understanding of rural healthcare, is committed to the patients and communities we serve, and has a deep respect for Bassett’s history and its place in the community.

Staci and I have been working very closely together to ensure a smooth transition as we continue to provide our patients with the best care possible. I am confident that her expertise—coupled with that of the entire leadership team and all of Bassett’s caregivers—will lead to many positive developments.

Saying goodbye to the wonderful people at Bassett, and to the friends and community we have found here, is tremendously difficult for me. I am humbled by the support and kindness I have received since my first day here. I am grateful to have been part of this organization and have no doubt that great things will continue to come to Bassett. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you have done for my family and me. I will always consider myself part of the Bassett Healthcare Network family.

With gratitude, Tommy

Dr. Tommy Ibrahim
President & CEO
Bassett Healthcare Network