Rochester Regional Health has announced the appointment of Michael Rulffes, MBA, as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.
Rulffes steps into the role following his tenure as COO for the St. Lawrence Region and Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where he led efforts to improve operational performance and enhance care delivery. Since joining RRH in 2023, Rulffes has moved through key leadership positions, earning praise for his strategic focus and commitment to team development.
“Michael’s focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and team development has had a significant impact on the performance of the St. Lawrence Region and the patients we serve,” said Jennifer Eslinger, President of Health Care Operations and COO for Rochester Regional Health. “In this new role, he will be instrumental in partnering with teams across the Eastern Region to enhance care delivery, foster integration, and deepen community engagement.”
Before joining RRH, Rulffes served in executive roles at Crouse Health in Syracuse, overseeing a 400-member multispecialty medical group with operational and financial responsibilities for a $35 million budget. He earned his MBA in Health Care Administration from Cleveland State University and returned to the North Country in 2023 to lead physician practice operations for RRH’s St. Lawrence Health.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and join the dedicated teams at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic,” Rulffes said. “These hospitals play a vital role in the health and well-being of their communities, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation already in place.”
Rulffes’ background in managing healthcare in rural areas provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of community-based care. His leadership is expected to bolster Rochester Regional Health’s mission to expand high-quality, accessible services in the Finger Lakes region.
His appointment is part of a broader leadership transition at RRH. Dan Ireland, formerly President of Rural Hospitals, has taken on the role of Chief Nursing Executive and Patient Care Officer. Additionally, Jill Graziano, RN, BSN, MBA has been named President and COO of United Memorial Medical Center, while continuing her leadership of Unity Hospital.
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