HTNYS honors Michael Nuccitelli with 2026 Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award
Trustee's tenure with Rochester Regional Health marked by leadership through multiple transformations and sustained organizational growth
Healthcare Trustees of New York State today presented Michael Nuccitelli with the 2026 Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award in recognition of his 40 years of dedication as a healthcare trustee.
Nuccitelli has provided exceptional leadership through multiple system mergers, governance transformation and sustained organizational growth. He led the landmark 2014 merger of Unity Health System and Rochester General Health System to form Rochester Regional Health, including the establishment of a governance model designed for long-term success.
Throughout his service, Nuccitelli has brought integrity, strategic insight and a steadfast commitment to mission-driven care. He also serves as co-chair of the RRH Foundation’s Transform Tomorrow Together Campaign, where he is a visible and passionate ambassador for investing in the future of healthcare.
“Mike is a servant leader. He gives an incredible amount of time to being a trustee,” said Richard "Chip" Davis, PhD, CEO of Rochester Regional Health. "He always focuses on the community and our patients first – that is always the first question that he asks. The second question is, ‘How is it going to impact our team members?’ His concern for our patients, our community and our team members is really the hallmark of what a trustee should be focused on."
"Trustees play an essential role in helping their local hospitals and health systems serve their communities year after year. Healthcare is complicated, and change is constant. Our trustees volunteer countless hours to take on this important work, with extraordinary impact," said Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, president and CEO, Healthcare Association of New York State. "I congratulate Mike on receiving HTNYS’ 2026 Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award and thank him for his four decades of service."
Established in 1985, HTNYS’ Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award recognizes hospital and health system board members who exemplify leadership in the boardroom, dedication to improving healthcare for their community and excellence in the governance of their organization. Eligible trustees have served with distinction; have made significant contributions to the betterment of their hospital, health system or nursing home and the community it serves; and routinely go beyond the call of duty.
About HTNYS
Healthcare Trustees of New York State is dedicated to strengthening the governance of New York’s nonprofit and public healthcare facilities. HTNYS is governed by a board of trustees from healthcare facilities across the state and is a division of the Healthcare Association of New York State.
