One of Kaleida Health's top executives is stepping down after 20 years.
Michael Hughes will leave his post as senior vice president and chief administrative officer at year's end, though he will stay on in a part-time capacity after January to help with public and government affairs at the $2.3 billion health system.
The announcement coincides with another C-level announcement last week regarding Kelly Corbi joining the system as chief operating officer on Nov. 4.
Hughes was recruited to the system in 2004 as director of public relations and has taken on increasing responsibility beyond marketing and communications to include government affairs, regulatory issues/planning, foundations, real estate and construction.
He also serves as policy and strategy adviser to CEO Don Boyd and the executive management team, as well as with the board of directors in areas that include crisis communications and community outreach.
Hughes told Buffalo Business First the time was right to move on.
"While this was not an easy decision, I am confident now is the right time to hang up my Kaleida Health jersey," he said. "I still have plenty of gas left in the tank. And a lot of other things that I want to do. We have time to figure that out. Right now, it’s gratitude for having the opportunity to serve this organization for the past 20 years."
In a prepared comment, Boyd said Hughes has "dutifully" served the system ,including helping to secure grants to build the Gates Vascular Institute, the John R. Oishei Children's Hospital and the new Brooks Memorial Hospital. .
"“He is someone that I have worked closely with throughout his entire time here," Boyd said. "Mike has always been a key leader, advancing Kaleida Health’s mission through things like our award-winning internal and external Covid-19 communications efforts, dozens of marketing and branding campaigns and successfully securing numerous federal and state grants over the years.”
Hughes also serves as board chairman for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. He is also a partner in a health care device startup Egret Healthcare Partners.