Chief Executive Officer, Speare Memorial Hospital

Speare Memorial Hospital has exclusively retained AMN Healthcare to lead a national search to recruit the next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Speare Memorial Hospital is seeking a dynamic healthcare executive to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This search is occasioned by the retirement of the current CEO following a successful 25-year tenure. Located in the heart of central New Hampshire, the gateway to the White Mountains and Lakes Region, Speare is a vital, independent Critical Access Hospital (CAH) that has served its community for over 125 years.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO functions as the "face of Speare," bridging the internal needs of the staff with the external needs of the community. The CEO provides administrative leadership and strategic direction to all aspects of the organization to ensure the mission, vision, and values are achieved. Building upon a strong foundation of clinical quality and safety, the incoming CEO will focus on long‑term sustainability, external partnership development, and facility modernization.

Speare Memorial Hospital is a not‑for‑profit, 25‑bed Critical Access Hospital serving Plymouth and the surrounding communities of central New Hampshire. With total revenue approaching $80 million, Speare distinguishes itself by offering a breadth of services rarely found in rural settings, including Level IV trauma center designation, a robust labor and delivery unit, two urgent care facilities, comprehensive surgical services, orthopedics, oncology, and extensive outpatient care.

The organization benefits from a strong balance sheet and investment portfolio, positioning it well for future strategic growth. Plymouth is also home to Plymouth State University, a key part of the state’s university system, providing a critical opportunity for workforce development and nursing pipelines.

Plymouth, NH, is a vibrant university town nestled between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. The town offers a unique blend of rural New England charm and academic energy. Residents enjoy unparalleled access to outdoor recreation. In the winter, a number of major New England ski resorts are minutes away. In the summer, the region transforms into a hub for hiking, boating, and climbing.

The town boasts a quaint, walkable historic Main Street, excellent schools, and a “can‑do” community ethic.

Education:

• Required: A Master’s degree in business administration, healthcare management, or a related field. Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) is strongly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in hospital management, with at least five years in a senior‑level executive role (C‑Suite). Leadership experience within a Critical Access Hospital or rural health system is highly desirable.
• Financial Stewardship: Strong healthcare financial management skills with an understanding of CAH reimbursement, revenue cycle, and cost control. Ability to balance operational efficiency with short‑term priorities and long‑term strategic investments.
• Partnership Diplomacy: Demonstrated success in navigating complex political and clinical relationships. Experience building collaborative alliances with academic partners, FQHCs, specialty practices, or tertiary affiliates is essential.
• Philanthropy & Strategy: Proven track record in strategic planning and community relations, specifically regarding capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
• Clinical Acumen: Clinical licensure is desired but not required. Candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of patient safety, quality, and the unique challenges of rural clinical delivery (e.g., trauma, OB staffing).
• Provider Relations: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining positive, effective, and productive medical staff and community‑based provider relationships.