NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. — Michael J. Dowling, the longtime president and CEO of Northwell Health, will step down from his role on October 1, 2025, after more than two decades at the helm of New York’s largest private employer and non-profit healthcare provider. He will assume the role of CEO Emeritus, continuing to support Northwell through advisory work focused on public health initiatives, education, and writing.
Dowling’s departure marks the end of an era defined by transformative growth and innovation. Since taking leadership in 2002, he has overseen Northwell’s expansion from a regional hospital network into one of the nation’s ten largest health systems. Today, Northwell operates 28 hospitals and more than 1,000 care locations across New York and Connecticut, with 104,000 employees and 14,000 affiliated physicians.
During his tenure, Dowling led the development of Northwell into an integrated health system, investing heavily in research, education, and emerging technologies. Under his leadership, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research grew into a hub of innovation in bioelectronic medicine. He also played a key role in shaping the Zucker School of Medicine and the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing, along with Northwell’s Center for Learning and Innovation. His advocacy extended beyond the clinical realm; he has been a leading voice in addressing gun violence as a public health crisis, uniting more than 60 healthcare CEOs nationwide in support of prevention efforts.
Dowling has been widely recognized for his leadership, appearing on Modern Healthcare’s list of the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” for 18 consecutive years, including a #1 ranking in 2022.
Following a nationwide search, Northwell’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected John D’Angelo, MD, as the next president and CEO. Dr. D’Angelo currently serves as executive vice president for Northwell’s central region, overseeing a network that includes six hospitals, more than 270 ambulatory sites, and 24,000 employees serving 2.8 million residents.
A nearly 30-year veteran of emergency medicine, Dr. D’Angelo joined Northwell as a physician at Glen Cove Hospital and rose through the ranks to lead system-wide emergency services, managing 18 emergency departments and a network of urgent care centers serving 1.5 million patients annually. He played a critical role in Northwell’s COVID-19 response and later served as Chief of Integrated Operations, leading efforts to streamline operations in the pandemic’s aftermath.
In accepting the role, Dr. D’Angelo expressed both humility and determination. “I am honored to succeed Michael Dowling and build on his incredible legacy,” he said. “Healthcare is a calling, and I look forward to leading our 100,000-plus team members as we continue advancing better health for all.”
Dowling praised his successor as a “tremendous leader” who understands the culture and mission of Northwell. “John has the clinical and operational expertise, along with a collaborative spirit, that will take Northwell to even greater heights,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with him in the months ahead to ensure a seamless leadership transition.”
Margaret Crotty, Chair of Northwell’s Board of Trustees, called the leadership change a milestone moment for the organization. “Michael Dowling’s impact on Northwell and on American healthcare is profound. In Dr. D’Angelo, we’ve chosen a leader who brings the same level of strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep commitment to community care,” she said.
As Dowling prepares to step aside, Northwell moves into a new chapter of leadership with a continued focus on delivering high-quality care, advancing innovation, and expanding access to health services across the region.
