Healthcare Leadership Shifts: Key Appointments, Exits, and Layoffs in February 2025
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A monthly review of personnel changes across the healthcare landscape reveals a period of meaningful transition, with new leadership appointments alongside challenging economic realities driving workforce reductions. This report, compiled from recent announcements, highlights key movements in executive roles, promotions, and unfortunately, substantial layoffs impacting several organizations.
This roundup is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather a snapshot of recent activity. individuals with relevant news are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].
Executive Appointments signal Industry Realignment
Several prominent healthcare organizations have announced new leadership in recent weeks. Breyer Capital tapped Bret Bostwick as its new venture advisor, bringing expertise from his previous role as a senior medical director at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, were he was instrumental in the growth of RNAi therapeutics. prior to that, Bostwick served as chief of pediatric genetics at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Cone Health has named Paul krakovitz as its new CEO, effective in March. Krakovitz currently serves as executive in residence at private equity firm Cressey & Company, and previously held leadership positions at Intermountain Health and Cleveland Clinic.
The digital health space also saw a key appointment, with DexCare welcoming Rakshay Jain as its new chief product officer. Jain joins from Innovaccer, where he most recently served as vice president of product management.
A notable change at the FDA sees Tracy Beth Høeg assuming the role of director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Internal Promotions Reflect Growth and stability
Within established healthcare systems, internal promotions are signaling continued growth and stability. Prospect Medical Holdings announced the promotion of John Johnson to senior vice president of revenue cycle management. Johnson joined the system in 2012 as vice president and assistant corporate controller.
Charlene MacDonald has been named the new CEO of the Federation of american Hospitals. MacDonald previously served as the organization’s executive vice president of public affairs,having joined in 2023. Her background also includes leadership roles at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and FTI Consulting, and also nearly a decade in policy positions within the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
Leadership Transitions: Notable Exits
The healthcare sector is also experiencing significant leadership transitions.Rick Pollack, CEO of the American Hospital Association, has announced his retirement plans for the end of 2026. Pollack’s departure will mark the end of a 43-year tenure with the organization, including over a decade as its CEO.
Economic Pressures Drive Workforce Reductions
The current economic climate is forcing tough decisions across the healthcare industry, resulting in substantial layoffs.Alameda Health System, based in Northern California, plans to lay off 296 employees across clinical care, management, and support departments. The health system attributes these cuts to millions of dollars in lost revenue stemming from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Vibra Specialty Hospital of Portland will close its doors in February, resulting in the loss of over 300 jobs due to ongoing financial challenges.
Intercept Pharmaceuticals announced plans to eliminate 146 positions in New Jersey following the voluntary withdrawal of its sole commercial drug, Ocaliva, from the U.S. market.
Further workforce reductions are occurring internationally, with Pfizer reducing its workforce in Switzerland from approximately 300 to roughly 70 by the end of 2025 as part of cost-cutting measures. Voyager Therapeutics also laid off 30 employees following its partner Novartis’ decision to discontinue two early-stage gene therapy programs.
These personnel changes reflect a dynamic and often challenging surroundings within the healthcare industry, marked by both opportunities for growth and the pressures of economic uncertainty.
