Plymouth, New Hampshire
Posted: 05-Jan-26
Location: Plymouth, New Hampshire
Type: Full Time
Sector:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 35792
Speare Memorial Hospital has exclusively retained AMN Healthcare to lead a national search to recruit the next President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Opportunity:
Speare Memorial Hospital (Speare), with a strong 125-year history, is seeking a dynamic healthcare executive to lead this vital, independent Critical Access Hospital (CAH) after the successful 25-year tenure of its retiring President & CEO.
Located in the heart of central New Hampshire—the gateway to the White Mountains and Lakes Region— Speare is a clinically robust institution deeply embedded in a "can-do" community. While historically financially stable with a strong balance sheet, the organization is proactively navigating the evolving challenges of payer reimbursement and healthcare policy changes. The incoming CEO inherits a solid foundation of quality, safety, and clinical excellence in an institution which provides essential services to a geographically large community.
The Board seeks a leader who, in addition to internal operations oversight, will prioritize strategic growth, financial strength, philanthropy, and partnerships. This is a rare opportunity for an executive to leverage the hospital’s current stability to deepen community relationships, drive facility modernization, and ensure the long-term sustainability of independent healthcare for Plymouth and its surrounding communities.
The Organization:
Speare Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit, 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving Plymouth and the surrounding communities of central New Hampshire. With total revenue approaching $80 million, Speare distinguishes itself by offering a breadth of services rarely found in rural settings, including Level IV trauma center designation, a robust labor and delivery unit, two urgent care facilities, comprehensive surgical services, orthopedics, oncology, and extensive outpatient care. The organization benefits from a strong balance sheet and investment portfolio, positioning it well to navigate future strategic growth. Plymouth is also home to Plymouth State University, a key part of the state’s university system, providing a critical opportunity for workforce development and nursing pipelines.
The Region:
Plymouth, New Hampshire—at the gateway to the White Mountains and the Lakes Region—offering an unmatched quality of life for leaders seeking both professional impact and personal balance. This vibrant New England town blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and community connection in a way few places can. Plymouth is home to Plymouth State University, bringing energy, arts, athletics, and lifelong learning opportunities to the region. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and scenic landscapes just minutes from their doorstep. The community offers excellent schools, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of civic pride.
Despite its rural charm, Plymouth is strategically located along the I-93 corridor, providing convenient access to Concord (45 min), the Seacoast (90 min), and Boston (2 hrs.). This balance of accessibility and serenity makes the region ideal for executives seeking meaningful leadership without sacrificing lifestyle.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Education: A Master’s degree in business administration, healthcare management, or a related field is required. Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) is strongly preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in hospital management, with at least five years in a senior-level executive role (C-Suite). Leadership experience within a Critical Access Hospital or rural health system is highly desirable.
- Financial Stewardship: Strong healthcare financial management skills with an understanding of CAH reimbursement, revenue cycle, and cost control. Ability to fortify operating margins against industry-wide reimbursement headwinds while balancing short-term priorities and long-term strategic investments.
- Partnership Diplomacy: Demonstrated success in navigating complex political and clinical relationships. Experience building collaborative alliances with academic partners, FQHCs, specialty practices, or tertiary affiliates is essential.
- Philanthropy & Strategy: Proven track record in strategic planning and community relations, specifically regarding leading capital campaigns or major fundraising initiatives.
- Clinical Acumen: Clinical licensure is desired but not required. Candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of patient safety, quality, and the unique challenges of rural clinical delivery (e.g., trauma, OB staffing).
- Provider Relations: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining positive, effective, and productive medical staff and community-based provider relationships.