Wagner Stepping Down as CEO of Care New England

Wagner Stepping Down as CEO of Care New England

Care New England Health System (CNE) announced on Friday that Michael Wagner, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, will step down as CEO following the selection of his successor and will transition to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors.

 

The Board has initiated a national search for CNE’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, with the goal of appointing new leadership in early 2027.

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Wagner has been outspoken in calling for more General Assembly funding and more competitive reimbursement rates.
 

The transition plan was unanimously approved by the Care New England Board of Directors at its meeting on June 25, 2026.

 

Wagner oversaw a difficult labor dispute with workers at Butler Hospital that cost CNE tens of millions of dollars.

 

Since joining Care New England in 2022, Dr. Wagner has led the health system through a period of significant transformation and growth. During his tenure, Care New England has successfully implemented a unified Epic electronic health record platform across all system entities; completed comprehensive strategic planning and system rebranding initiatives; secured landmark HUD/FHA refinancing that has provided $100 million in capital for system expansion and growth investment; and restored the organization to positive operating performance.

 

“It has been the privilege of my professional life to serve Care New England and the communities we are honored to care for,” Dr. Wagner said. “Over the past several years, we have strengthened our clinical integration, sharpened our strategic focus, improved our financial position, and positioned the organization for long-term success. I am proud of what our team has accomplished together and confident that Care New England is well-positioned for its next chapter.”

 

Dr. Wagner will remain President and CEO throughout the search process and until a successor is selected and fully onboarded, ensuring continuity of leadership and operations. Upon the appointment of a new CEO, he will retire from full-time work and assume the role of Board Chair.
 

Gary Furtado, whose tenure as Chair of the Care New England Board of Directors concludes at the end of 2026, will continue to serve in that role throughout the transition period.

 

“Mike’s leadership has been transformative for Care New England,” Furtado said. “His vision, commitment, and steady leadership have strengthened the organization clinically, strategically, and financially. The Board is grateful for his service as CEO and pleased that he will continue to support the organization as Board Chair.”

 

The Board has established a CEO Search Committee, chaired by Vice Chair Steve Manty, and has engaged a nationally recognized executive search firm to conduct the search.

 

“We are announcing this transition from a position of strength,” Manty said. “Care New England has a clear strategic direction, a strong leadership team, a unified clinical platform, and the resources necessary to continue investing in our patients, providers, and communities. We look forward to identifying a leader who will build upon that foundation and guide the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.”

 

As Board Chair, Dr. Wagner will focus on Care New England's mission, governance responsibilities, and healthcare policy issues that affect the organization and the communities it serves. Responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the health system will reside fully with the new President and Chief Executive Officer.