HERSHEY, Pa. — Steve Massini, CEO of Penn State Health since 2019 and the first Penn State graduate to lead the university’s health system, has announced he will retire effective Oct. 1, 2024.
“Steve is an incredibly talented executive and incredible person who has made significant contributions to Penn State Medicine during his five-year tenure as CEO,” said Penn State Chancellor Neeli Bendapudi. “He has been a transformational leader who has driven the expansion of the health system’s clinical footprint across Central Pennsylvania and the development of innovative partnerships, including our ongoing collaboration with Highmark Health.”
Massini joined Penn State Medical Center in 2015, initially serving as chief financial officer of Hershey Medical Center. In 2016, he was promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of Penn State Medical Center, and ultimately was named CEO.
He was a key architect of the health system’s collaboration with Highmark, announced in December 2017, which has led to a joint $1 billion investment in the growth of Penn State Medicine, the development of innovative insurance products and a $25 million investment in Penn State research.
One of the highlights of Massini’s tenure has been the continued development of Penn State Health into a broad-based regional academic health system. The system’s strategy, guided in part by the “10-20-30 rule,” aims to provide Penn State Health clinical services close to where patients live and work: within 10 minutes of primary care services, 20 minutes of specialty care services and 30 minutes of a hospital.
To fulfill this promise, Massini oversaw the development of two new hospitals by the Pennsylvania State Department of Health: Hampden Medical Center (Cumberland County, PA) and Lancaster Medical Center (Lancaster County, PA). Hampden Medical Center opened in October 2021, and Lancaster Medical Center opened a year later in October 2022. Massini also led the acquisition of Camp Hill-based Holy Spirit Medical Center from Geisinger in November 2020, and in 2023, the system assumed 100% ownership of Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute following the dissolution of a joint venture with UPMC.
Mr. Massini played a key role in the acquisition and integration of numerous key practices that expanded Penn State Health clinical services throughout the region, including Berks Cardiology, Andrews Patel Hematology/Oncology and Lancaster-based Physicians Alliance, LTD. Additionally, Mr. Massini oversaw the development of 18 new practices for Penn State Health Group, increasing the availability of Penn State Health Group primary care and specialty medical services in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and York counties.
Central to the system’s strategy was to integrate its flagship teaching hospital, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, to give patients continuous access to complex health care services in the community and enable them to receive treatment close to home for even the most serious illnesses and injuries.
“Steve has provided calm, steady leadership during a time of great change in Penn State’s health care environment and the industry as a whole,” said Keith Musser, chairman of the Penn State Health Board and Penn State Trustee Emeritus. “Facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic to intensifying market consolidation, he has always remained focused on meeting the needs of his community. His passion for helping patients have more convenient and broader access to Penn State Health’s world-class care will have a long-lasting impact. As we look to the future, the university and Penn State Health are well positioned for success.”
During his tenure as CEO, Massini has served on the boards of numerous community and professional organizations, including United Way of the Capital Region, Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce, CREDC and the Pennsylvania Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (HAP).
“I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve Penn State Health and Penn State, especially as CEO,” Massini said. “When I met my wife on the first day of orientation at Penn State DuBois more than 40 years ago, I never would have imagined the opportunities, both professionally and personally, that becoming part of the Penn State family would provide.”
He and his wife, Shari, plan to spend more time with their family, including their four grandchildren, in their retirement years. An avid fisherman and Penn State fan, he also plans to spend time on the water off the coast of Sea Isle City, New Jersey, and cheering on the Nittany Lions at Penn State football games.
In the coming weeks, President Bendapudi is expected to announce his plans and next steps for the leadership transition.
