The WellSpan Health Board of Directors announced on Apr. 7 that Roxanna Gapstur, Ph.D., R.N., president and chief executive officer, plans to retire from her role after serving since January 2019. Gapstur will remain in her position until a transition is complete to ensure continuity for the organization, its 23,000 team members, and the communities served across Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
The board has engaged Korn Ferry to conduct a national search for WellSpan’s next president and CEO. The search will focus on finding a leader who can continue advancing WellSpan’s vision, mission, values, and strategic priorities.
During her tenure as CEO, Gapstur led WellSpan through significant growth and transformation. The health system expanded from $2.5 billion to $4.7 billion in size, grew from eight to twelve hospitals, and extended its reach from five to twelve counties. Under her leadership, WellSpan developed its small format hospital model to bring care closer to home and improve regional access.
Gapstur’s approach emphasized strategic direction with a strong focus on quality and safety while fostering patient experience and team member engagement. Joe Crosswhite, chair of the WellSpan Health Board of Directors said: “Roxanna is a nationally respected leader who has positioned WellSpan for long-term strength in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. She has led with clarity, courage and compassion — never losing sight of our mission or the people who bring it to life. We are fully aligned with the vision she has set for the organization and grateful that she will continue to lead WellSpan through this transition.”
Notable achievements during Gapstur’s time include Magnet designation for WellSpan Surgery & Rehabilitation Hospital as well as receiving both the John M. Eisenberg National Patient Safety Award and the American Hospital Association’s Quest for Quality Prize—national recognitions highlighting commitment to care quality.
WellSpan Medical Group grew from 1,500 providers to more than 2,700 under her leadership; its patient base increased from about 630,000 individuals to over one million patients. The system also became recognized globally in clinical artificial intelligence by supporting more than three million patient conversations aimed at improving care delivery.
Gapstur oversaw development of programs such as genomic medicine at bedside—integrating genetic insights into clinical care—and expanded medical education opportunities through partnerships with Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Jersey College’s School of Nursing at WellSpan Health.
Financial stewardship was another hallmark; maintaining an AA bond rating for seven consecutive years including throughout COVID-19 reflected stability during challenging times.
Reflecting on her career at WellSpan Health Gapstur said: “The work we do at WellSpan has always been about people — our patients, our team members, and the communities who trust us with their care,” adding: “I am deeply proud of what we have built together and highly confident in WellSpan’s future.”
