Dive Brief:
- Two of Tufts Medicine’s top executives are stepping down as the beleaguered health system embarks on a financial turnaround.
- CEO Mike Dandorph is leaving after more than six years at Tufts, effective at the end of September. He’ll be replaced by Phil Okala, Tufts’ current chief operating officer, according to a memo from Tufts’ board chair shared with Healthcare Dive.
- Andrew Devoe, Tufts’ chief financial officer, is also stepping down after two years in the role. Greg Kruse, the current vice president of strategic operations and analytics intelligence, will take over while Tufts begins a national search for Devoe’s replacement.
Dive Insight:
Dandorph was named Tufts’ CEO in January 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was first ramping up. His leadership was central to advancing access to care and furthering Tufts’ research, despite "unprecedented financial challenges and policy changes shaping the industry,” Phil Lembo, the chair of Tufts’ board of trustees, wrote in his Tuesday memo.
Dandorph will remain in the position through the 2026 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. At that time, Okala, who has held several leadership posts at Tufts and other healthcare organizations over his career, will assume the role.
“Our focus remains unchanged: serving our patients and communities, supporting our people, strengthening our financial position and continuing to advance Tufts Medicine’s mission to empower people to live their best lives,” Okala said.
Dandorph described the change as in the best interest and at the right time for Tufts. The system, which operates four hospitals in eastern Massachusetts, has faced financial struggles amid worker shortages and post-pandemic revenue dips.
In 2024, Tufts Medicine laid off 174 employees, or about 1% of its workforce, citing high labor costs and capacity challenges. It also laid off 70 administrative workers in 2023 and sold its laboratory outreach testing business to Labcorp, dissolving 600 more roles.
Tufts’ actions appear to be bearing fruit. The system reported a $51.6 million net loss in its 2025 fiscal year, improving on its loss of $214 million the year prior, according to financial documents.
“While important work remains ahead, we have generated significant momentum and are entering the next phase of our financial turnaround with greater focus, discipline and purpose,” Lembo said.
