06/21/2023

Mass General Brigham Names New President and Chief Operating Officer of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital

DOVER, NH – Mass General Brigham has named Darin C. Roark, an accomplished executive with more than 23 years of health care experience, as its newest president and chief operating officer effective July 24.

“Darin's extensive experience in health care management aligns perfectly with the mission and vision of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and Mass General Brigham,” said Dr. Gregg Meyer, president of Mass General Brigham’s community division. “With his strong leadership and collaborative approach, we are confident that he will further enhance the hospital's ability to serve the community and provide exceptional care."

Roark is currently serving in a dual role as hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Clay in Fleming Island, Florida and as system vice president of ambulatory campuses & emergency services for Baptist Health, a non-profit health system headquartered in Jacksonville. He has overseen tremendous growth since arriving at Baptist Health, leading the emergency department service line through a rise in tens of thousands of annual visits, while overseeing the addition of three new satellite ERs and an inpatient bed tower.

"I am deeply honored and excited to join an organization with such a strong reputation for providing outstanding healthcare services - and I am committed to building on that legacy,” said Roark. “I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Wentworth-Douglass as they continue to deliver high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen our bonds with the Seacoast community."

Roark previously served as vice president of Baptist’s oncology service line and administrator of the emergency service line. He also worked as director of director of emergency services at Orange Park Medical Center and held leadership and nursing positions in Illinois and Wisconsin. Roark has long been involved in researching best practices, centered on patient safety, and his work has been published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing, the American Journal of Nursing, and Nursing Management.

“Darin’s commitment to community health, and his dedication to serving patients, are central to his leadership approach. He recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with medical staff, employees, and community stakeholders to ensure the community has access to exceptional health care,” said Dr. David Roberts, president and COO of Mass General Brigham Medical Group. “He will be an excellent addition to Wentworth-Douglass and the surrounding community.”

"Darin brings exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. His strategic mindset and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care make him the perfect candidate to lead Wentworth-Douglass Hospital into the future,” added John Salmon, chairman of Wentworth-Douglass’ board of trustees. “We are thrilled to welcome Darin and his family to the Seacoast."

Roark will succeed current president & COO Jeff Hughes, who has led the hospital since 2020.  Hughes announced his retirement in March and will continue to serve in a consultant role to ensure a successful transition.

“Jeff was instrumental in bringing Wentworth-Douglass into the Mass General Brigham system back in 2017, and has remained at the forefront of our integration efforts ever since,” said Meyer. “We would like to again thank him for his significant contributions to the success of Wentworth-Douglass, his commitment to our patients on the Seacoast, and wish him well in retirement.”

Roark has a bachelor of arts in business marketing from North Central College and a bachor of science in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also has a masters of business administraion from Northern Illinois University and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Roarke, his wife Natasha, and their three children will be relocating to the Seacoast area where they look forward to enjoying the seasons and the outdoor activities New Hampshire offers - especially skiing, snowboarding, and fishing.