Culminating a career that spanned more than four decades, Greenwich Hospital President and CEO Norman G. Roth announced his plans to retire on October 2, 2020.
Roth has spent nearly his entire career within Yale New Haven Health, concluding in his role at Greenwich Hospital for the past five years.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in one of the nation’s greatest health systems and be accorded the honor to lead one of the finest hospitals,” said Roth. “It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with colleagues throughout Connecticut, but I would especially like to thank the medical staff, employees and board of Greenwich Hospital, as well as the entire community of Greenwich, for their incredible support. You are the reason we are here to serve.”
Roth, 68, began his career in 1979 as an administrator in the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven. He was promoted to vice president of administration and led a number of critical improvement projects, most notably, the construction of the Smilow Cancer Hospital that opened its doors in 2009.
“Norman has been an exceptional leader and has distinguished himself in each of the roles he has had throughout the health system,” said Marna P. Borgstrom, CEO of Yale New Haven Health. “Nobody works harder than Norm Roth and no one has achieved the array of success he’s had through the years. His retirement after 41 years is well deserved but he will be sorely missed.”
“Norman was the perfect fit for Greenwich Hospital and was able to navigate challenges with exceptional tact and nuance,” said Greenwich Hospital Board chair, Arthur Martinez. “Under Norman’s stewardship, Greenwich Hospital has adopted a growth oriented perspective that advances broadened access to exceptional care to patients in Greenwich and beyond.”
In 2011, Roth stayed within Yale New Haven Health, but left Yale New Haven Hospital to accept a position as chief operating officer at Bridgeport Hospital. Working with then president Bill Jennings, Roth worked to shift the perspective of Bridgeport Hospital and oversaw significant improvements to its facilities, including the closing of Grant Street to accommodate a prominent, new entrance to the Hospital that greeted patients and visitors with a sense of warmth and safety.
“Norm was a partner in our success at Bridgeport Hospital,” said Bill Jennings, who now serves as president of Tower Health in Reading, Pennsylvania. “He was well liked and widely respect at Bridgeport Hospital and throughout the health system. He made us all better by his presence.” After serving four years at Bridgeport Hospital, Roth was offered the opportunity to serve as interim COO at Greenwich Hospital, eventually being named president of the hospital in 2015.
Roth’s last challenge was the most unique of his career, as he and his senior leadership team, including COO Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, had to deftly address an international pandemic that landed squarely on the doorstep of Greenwich Hospital. Given its proximity to New York City and hot spots like New Rochelle, Greenwich Hospital saw the direct and immediate impact of this insidious virus on the local community. As the curve of this virus has flattened and the challenge has dissipated, Greenwich Hospital has emerged stronger and more prepared than ever before.
“Looking back on the last 40 years, I understand and deeply appreciate the passion and commitment our employees bring to patient care every day of their lives. Whether in the midst of a public health crisis or in the daily pursuit of excellence, I am so proud of the work we have done together to improve healthcare for all who need it,” commented Roth.