Memorial Hospital CEO to Retire

Scott McKinnon, CEO of Memorial Hospital in North Conway, will retire on Oct. 31. McKinnon, who has led Memorial for the past nine years, says the time was right for him to step away from work as a full-time executive. “Though it is hard to leave such a fulfilling professional role, this is the right decision for me and my family,” says McKinnon, who added he plans an active retirement and may take on some project work in the future but will not be returning to a full-time position.

“I am saddened, but I am also very appreciative of the work Scott did on behalf of Memorial and this community,” says Laura Jawitz, chair of the Memorial Board of Trustees. “Scott has been a terrific leader for our organization at a time of great change and challenge in the healthcare industry.”

Jawitz cited a number of McKinnon’s accomplishments, including leading Memorial through the process of choosing a system partner that culminated in it becoming a member of MaineHealth in 2013.According to a statement McKinnon also forged new connections with providers in the Valley through the establishment of a community council. Under his leadership, Memorial broadened its clinical offerings in areas such as sleep medicine, oncology, sports medicine, pulmonary and wound care and also established a full-time hospitalist program

Additionally, McKinnon leveraged Memorial’s membership in MaineHealth to create an active and vital Community Health Department. He brought a new emphasis on quality, including the introduction of the Operational Excellence system of continuous improvement. He oversaw a number of building projects that significantly modernized and enhanced Memorial’s campus. And he played a significant role in Memorial’s philanthropy efforts, including the gift that will make a new adult day center possible.

“Needless to say, he will be missed,” says Jawitz. “All of us on the board of trustees are grateful for his contributions.”
She says a search committee will be formed soon, and it is expected the role will be filled by March 2019. Jawitz says the board is also discussing an interim leadership plan for the hospital and expects to share more information about that in coming weeks.