PITTSFIELD, Mass. — David E. Phelps, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, announced Monday that he will leave BHS in early 2022.

 

"After engaging in thoughtful succession planning with the BHS Board of Trustees for the past three years and with the confidence that we now have a full complement of experienced executive leaders in place at BHS, I know that now is the right time is right for making this transition," said Phelps.

 

The Pittsfield native was appointed president of Berkshire Health Systems and Berkshire Health Care Systems in 1993. Phelps concludes a 31-year career of service to the local community, with 28 as the system's chief executive.

 

"Ensuring an orderly leadership transition has been incredibly important to Dave and Board members alike. We are sincerely grateful to Dave for working with us to facilitate a smooth process for his departure and are pleased that we will be able to share more about the appointment of a new CEO for Berkshire Health Systems later this week," said Bart Raser, chair of the trustees.

 

Raser highlighted successes from Phelps' career as CEO, including rehabilitating the financial resources of the once-troubled health system, implementing substantial technological and facility improvements such as the Crane Center for Ambulatory Surgery and the BMC Cancer Center, building BHS' affiliated long-term care company, developing important clinical partnerships like Berkshire Medical Center's membership in the Dana Farber Cancer Care Collaborative, and cultivating important relationships with local and state leaders that elevated the status and reputation of Berkshire Health Systems across the commonwealth.

 

"Today, we would like to recognize and celebrate Dave's tremendous accomplishments at BHS over more than 30 years. The scale of the transformation that Dave has achieved at our organization is a testament to his selfless leadership, his bright vision, and his tireless advocacy for the people of the Berkshires. There is no way to adequately thank him for all he has done to care for Berkshire County," Raser said.

 

In a letter to staff, Phelps said his decision has been under his consideration since 2018. He said he has been working in partnership with the trustees for more than three years to ensure the orderly transition of leadership.

 

He wrote that he is proud of the organization's commitment to "service, compassion, and excellence in patient care."

 

Phelps wrote that he was most proud of BHS' response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"What I'm most proud of is our organization's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your courage, dedication, and commitment to this community since March 2020 have been remarkable," he said. "You have always served Berkshire County well, but your continuing response to the pandemic has demonstrated just how lucky our community is to be able to depend on every one of you during this public health crisis.

 

"Working with you all has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am grateful for having been given the opportunity to serve our community alongside you. I wish you all the best."

 

In a letter to staff, Phelps said this decision has been under his consideration since 2018. He said he has been working in partnership with the BHS Board of Trustees for more than three years to ensure the orderly transition of leadership.

 

He wrote that he is proud of the organization's commitment to "service, compassion, and excellence in patient care."

 

Phelps wrote that he was most proud of the health system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

"What I'm most proud of is our organization's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your courage, dedication, and commitment to this community since March 2020 have been remarkable. You have always served Berkshire County well, but your continuing response to the pandemic has demonstrated just how lucky our community is to be able to depend on every one of you during this public health crisis."

 

Phelps has also served on the Board of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals, Massachusetts Hospital Association, and as a member of the American Hospital Association's Regional Policy Board. 

 

He is a former chairman of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, past president of the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals, and has served on the Massachusetts Health and Education Facilities Authority, Massachusetts Business Roundtable Healthcare Task Force and the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Healthcare. 

 

"Continually developing new opportunities to care for the people of Berkshire County alongside our exceptional providers and staff at BHS has been the honor of a lifetime," said Phelps. "I am incredibly proud of our entire organization's commitment to service, compassion, and excellence in patient care, and I am grateful to my colleagues and my community for having entrusted me with protecting, cultivating, and advancing the BHS mission for the past 28 years."