DANBURY — Dr. John M. Murphy, president and CEO of Nuvance Health will retire at the end of December, concluding a distinguished 40-year in healthcare leadership and clinical practice.
His decision follows the recent merger with Northwell Health, New York State’s largest health care provider. Per
Dr. Murphy has served as CEO since the formation of Nuvance Health in 2019, following the merger of Western Connecticut Health Network and Health Quest. Before assuming administrative leadership roles, Dr. Murphy practiced as a neurologist, earning a reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Murphy’s CEO role will not be replaced, as Northwell Health will operate under a unified leadership model. Dr. John D’Angelo, who succeeded Michael Dowling as CEO of Northwell Health on Oct. 1, will oversee the integrated system.
Also, effective Jan.1, 2026, Michelle Robertson, current COO of Nuvance Health, will assume the role of market president for the Nuvance Health region, consistent with Northwell Health’s regional leadership structure.
“Dr. John Murphy’s legacy is one of vision, compassion and unwavering dedication to our mission,” Robertson said. “His leadership has shaped the culture of Nuvance Health and elevated the care we provide to our communities. I am honored to continue building on the foundation he created.”
The merger was facilitated under an agreed settlement the state Office of Health Strategy reached an on Tuesday, April 8. Under that agreement, three western Connecticut hospitals – Danbury Hospital (including the New Milford campus), Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital – are now transferred to Northwell Health, a 21-hospital non-profit integrated care delivery system in New York.
OHS approved the proposed affiliation of the two health systems, where Northwell will invest at least $1 billion across the Nuvance hospitals in Connecticut and New York over the next five years. Nuvance Health lost over $220 million during the last two fiscal years, and projects to lose nearly $150 million during its current fiscal year, the company reported to the state in 2024 as part of its application for affiliation with Northwell.
Dr. Murphy’s legacy
Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, Nuvance Health grew into a regional healthcare powerhouse, known for its commitment to quality, innovation and community care. Most recently, Dr. Murphy played a pivotal role in the successful integration of Nuvance Health into Northwell Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the Northeast.
“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve this organization and to work with such talented and compassionate colleagues,” Dr. Murphy said. “The friendships, shared victories and sense of purpose we’ve built together will remain with me always. I am forever grateful to the community and all our supporters for placing their trust in us.”
Dr. Murphy’s tenure was marked by significant achievements, including rising patient satisfaction scores, record-high employee and physician engagement and nationally recognized performance in quality and safety. He established the first-of-its-kind Global Health Program, launched the Rudy L. Ruggles Biomedical Research Institute to advance biomedical innovation and forged strategic partnerships with storied organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic. These initiatives elevated Nuvance Health’s national reputation as a leader in research, education and global health collaboration.
During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Murphy served as a trusted advisor to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, helping to shape vital testing, vaccination and hospital management strategies. His contributions were instrumental in achieving one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the country, a testament to both his leadership and compassion.
Steven Lant, chair of the Nuvance Health Board of Directors, is grateful for Murphy’s accomplishments and work.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. John Murphy for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission,” he said. “John has guided this organization through remarkable transformation, ensuring exceptional care for the communities we serve. His vision and integrity have left an indelible mark on Nuvance Health, and his legacy will continue to benefit patients, providers and families for generations to come.”
As he turns toward the next chapter of his journey, Dr. Murphy looks forward to practicing mission medicine, serving those most in need, mentoring future providers and cherishing time with his family, including his five beloved grandchildren.
Nuvance Health is a system of nonprofit hospitals and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including: Danbury Hospital and its New Milford campus, Norwalk Hospital and Sharon Hospital in Connecticut; Northern Dutchess Hospital, Putnam Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center in New York.
