Interim leader named to permanent post by board

SCHENECTADY – The Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees today announced that Paul A. Milton has been named President and CEO, effective immediately.

Mr. Milton had been Acting President and CEO since last February following the retirement of former President and CEO James Connolly. Pursuant to Ellis policy, the Board initiated a nationwide search for a new leader in September.

Prior to taking on the interim leadership role, Mr. Milton had served for eight years as Ellis’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

A search committee was established by the Board of Trustees last year, comprised of representatives of the board, physicians and nurses, and was assisted by SpencerStuart, one of the world’s leading executive search consulting firms. Thirty-one candidates were considered, and seven were invited for in-person interviews with the search committee. The committee consisted of Cristine Cioffi, Esq.; Brian McDonald, M.D.; Ray Sweeney; Barbara Zittel, R.N., Ph.D.; Tom Donovan; John Tobison; and Board Chairman Stephen Pagano.

Mr. Milton, with deep healthcare experience and an excellent working relationship with physicians, staff, patients and the community, will oversee a staff of 3,300 healthcare professionals and an annual budget of $390 million. 

“Having reviewed 31 candidates, Paul was surpassingly the best candidate for the position. His qualifications, his experience, and his work ethic are without peer. The Board unanimously supports his selection to lead Ellis into the future,” Mr. Pagano said.

“I am honored by the Board of Trustees’ confidence in me,” Mr. Milton said. “It’s a great privilege to work with our outstanding team of physicians, nurses, technicians, support and administrative staff. Working together, we will continue the great Ellis tradition of exceptional quality of care delivered with equal parts skill and compassion.”

Physician members of the Board of Trustees expressed their confidence in Mr. Milton, having worked with him for many years at Ellis.

"I believe Paul Milton possesses the skills and vision necessary to lead Ellis as CEO during these challenging times.  As a physician member of the board, I have observed his sincere commitment to work in partnership with the Medical Staff, Governing Board, Nursing, and all the other Ellis Medicine employees to provide safe, high quality medical care for the people of Schenectady and surrounding communities," said Gary Wood. M.D., a member of Ellis’ Board of Trustees.

Robert J. Kennedy, M.D., the longest serving physician on the Board of Trustees, said: “The Physicians and Nurses in our community have always been proud of their work in caring for patients. I’m confident Paul will help Ellis to continue to provide the highest quality care by combining new technologies and effective systems with the unmatched compassion and empathy that are hallmarks of our care, and are so inherently part of Paul’s fiber.”

“Paul is a proven leader who has worked closely with the medical staff and is a staunch advocate for Ellis in all that he does. His passion for this organization and his effectiveness as an administrator will only further extend the excellent reputation of Ellis Medicine,” said Brian McDonald, M.D., Ellis Medical Chief of Staff.

“I have full confidence that Paul will lead Ellis effectively as the organization continues to be a leader in healthcare throughout the Capital Region. He has been a wonderful interim leader, and I look forward to continuing to work with him going forward,” said Robert Joy, M.D., Vice Chief of Staff.

The Foundation for Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees Chair A. Emile Walraven said: “I was not surprised to hear that Paul was the most qualified candidate — he combines smart business sense with a deep sense of compassion and care for the important work done by Ellis staff every day across our community. His knowledge of the community and broad contacts are a tremendous asset for the organization.”

Neil Golub, executive chairman of the board of the Golub Corp., praised Mr. Milton’s leadership. “Paul and I have worked closely together over the past few years, and his leadership is invaluable to the success of Ellis. The new Emergency Center has given staff the opportunity to put in place wonderful new patient friendly services  — among the best in the Capital Region. His open, candid and friendly style is just what Ellis needs.” Mr. Golub and his wife, Jane, chaired the campaign for a new emergency center and are major donors to Ellis Medicine.

As Ellis Medicine formally welcomes a new chief executive, the focus on delivering the best care in the most efficient manner while creating a healthier community remains a constant across all of Ellis’ healthcare facilities — Ellis Hospital, McClellan Street Health Center, Bellevue Woman’s Center, Medical Center of Clifton Park, and its physician offices.

Mr. Milton joined Ellis as Chief Operating Officer in 2008, after more than two decades’ experience as a senior healthcare leader. He previously served as Chief Operating Officer of The Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut, a 328-bed teaching facility and level II trauma center; Chief Operating Officer of Northeast Health, in Troy, where he played a key role in the merger of Albany Memorial and Samaritan hospitals; Vice President of Administration at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, CT; and Vice President of Operations at The Stamford Health Care Corporation, Stamford, CT.

Mr. Milton served as a community healthcare coordinator with the U.S. Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa, earned a master's degree in health services administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Miami University, Oxford, OH. He is a Diplomat of the American College of Healthcare Executives.