Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling to Step Down, John D'Angelo Named Successor

Northwell Health, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the United States, announced a significant leadership change on Wednesday. Michael Dowling, who has served as president and CEO for over 23 years, will be stepping down from his role on October 1, 2025. The Board of Trustees has unanimously selected John D'Angelo, M.D., currently executive vice president of Northwell's central region, to succeed Dowling as the new CEO.

Leadership Transition and Legacy

Michael Dowling's tenure at Northwell Health has been marked by significant growth and transformation. Under his leadership, Northwell expanded from a network of Long Island-based hospitals to become the largest healthcare system in the Northeast, with a $22.6 billion operating budget. The system now encompasses 28 hospitals, over 1,000 care sites, and employs more than 104,000 people, serving over 13 million patients.

Dowling's impact extends beyond organizational growth. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing social issues such as housing insecurity and gun violence, launching initiatives to tackle these problems within Northwell. His approach to leadership and social responsibility is exemplified in his statement: "I think if you don't get slapped on the wrist every so often by taking on something that's controversial, you're not doing your job right. We can't just stand idly by and say 'Not my job.' Especially if you're in the healthcare field, it's our responsibility."

After stepping down, Dowling will transition to an advisory role as CEO Emeritus, continuing to support the organization he has led for more than two decades.

John D'Angelo: A New Chapter for Northwell

John D'Angelo, M.D., the incoming CEO, brings a wealth of clinical and administrative experience to his new role. Having joined Northwell as an emergency medicine physician, D'Angelo has held various leadership positions within the organization. His current role as executive vice president of Northwell's central region oversees six hospitals, more than 270 ambulatory practice locations, and nearly a quarter of Northwell's total workforce.

Dowling expressed confidence in his successor, stating, "In Dr. D'Angelo, the Board of Trustees has selected a tremendous leader who will lead Northwell to greater heights. John is someone who understands and champions Northwell's unique and differentiated culture, and his clinical and operational acumen coupled with skills as a decisive and collaborative leader will enable Northwell to raise the bar on the quality of care we deliver to the communities we serve in New York and Connecticut."

Recent Expansion and Future Investments

The leadership transition comes on the heels of Northwell Health's recent merger with Nuvance Health, which expanded the system's reach into Connecticut. This merger, which took over a year to finalize, came with significant regulatory conditions, including commitments to preserve or increase Nuvance's care services and facilities, maintain financial assistance policies, and invest at least $1 billion into Nuvance's hospitals over the coming years.

This expansion solidifies Northwell's position as a dominant healthcare provider in the region and sets the stage for continued growth under D'Angelo's leadership. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Northwell Health appears poised to maintain its trajectory of expansion and innovation in patient care and community health initiatives.