Menorah Park names new CEO

DeWITT, N.Y. — Menorah Park has named Russell D’Amico as its new CEO, replacing longtime CEO Mary Ellen Bloodgood.

Bloodgood transitioned to a new role as chief development officer of the Menorah Park Foundation, per Menorah Park’s Monday announcement. D’Amico started his duties on Dec. 15.

Menorah Park is located at 4101 E. Genesee St. in the town of DeWitt.

D’Amico has worked in Central New York’s senior health-care community and as an educator in related areas for more than 16 years. He most recently served as VP of administration and long-term care at Auburn Community Hospital’s skilled-nursing facility.

Before that, he was an administrator of several Loretto health-care facilities.

In addition to his work experience, D’Amico has been a faculty member at Bryant & Stratton College, teaching courses in health-care administration.

D’Amico is “no stranger to the Menorah Park family,” the organization noted.

“My paternal grandparents were Menorah Park residents — my grandmother at the Jewish Home and my grandfather at the Oaks,” D’Amico said. “I was a frequent visitor, got to know the staff and appreciated the kindness and attention my grandparents received. My father, Ronald D’Amico, was the podiatrist at Menorah Park for many years. Menorah Park’s continuum of care and its local focus and deep roots in Central New York are its calling card and what drew me to this position. I’m looking forward to getting to know our residents, our staff members, and collaborating with entire senior executive team, including the board.”

D’Amico earned a master’s degree in health-services administration from Strayer University, received a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from SUNY Cortland, and is a licensed nursing-home administrator.

Menorah Park says it offers a “broad range of high-quality, affordable health, housing, and community services and programs, providing a more comprehensive, cohesive, and holistic approach to healthy aging.”