CARIBOU, Maine — Kris Doody, RN, and CEO of Cary Medical Center and Pines Health Services, has been named one of the top 100 healthcare leaders in America. Becker’s Healthcare, a source of business and legal information for the healthcare industry, released the list in May.
Doody was the only individual from Maine featured on the list, which includes Bill and Melinda Gates. According to Becker’s, many individuals on this list serve at the helm of large health systems and nationwide organizations. Others have played small but important roles, leading during critical moments for the nation. By working to improve the quality of care and solve the toughest problems in healthcare today, these leaders have clearly made their mark.
Doody began her career in healthcare at the age of 15 when she served as a certified nurse’s aide. She continued her education to become a registered nurse with a degree from the University of Maine in 1983, and eventually became manager of surgical services at Cary. In 1994 she was appointed chief operating officer, and became CEO in 1999.
During her time as COO, Doody earned a master’s degree in business from Husson College. She was also named interim CEO for Pines Health Services late in 2017.
Being named to the top 100 list is one of multiple awards Doody has received over the past two years. In 2017 she was named Trustee of the Year by the American Hospital Association after serving at the national level and as a member of the AHA Executive Committee. She also received the CEO of the Year Award from Quorum Health Resources, a national hospital management company.
Doug Plourde, chairman of Cary’s board of directors, said the work Doody has done at Cary and in advocating for rural healthcare at the local, state and national level is deserving of this recognition.
“Kris has dedicated her entire career to our hospital and to the service of her community,” said Plourde. “Her work at the national level, advocating for Veterans healthcare and the unique, collaborative model that she has built together with the leadership at Pines Health Services is most impressive. As a board we are very proud of Kris and offer our congratulations for this remarkable achievement.”
Doody is a former president of the Maine Hospital Association. She also served as president of the Maine Community College System and is a member of the board of directors at Husson University.
For her work with veterans, she was awarded the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award by the Vietnam Veterans of America, the highest civilian award presented by the organization. She is a nationally recognized leader in advocating for veterans’ access to local healthcare and has testified in Congress to advocate for community-based care.
Her father, the late Lee Doody, Jr. served a 39-year career with the Maine Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve. He retired from the National Guard as a lieutenant colonel and was the longest standing commander of the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion.
Submitted by the Community Relations and Development Office of Cary Medical Center.
