People news: Watson named president of Schuyler Hospital

ITHACA, N.Y. — James B. Watson has been named president of Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls and VP of its parent, Ithaca–based Cayuga Health System.

Watson is the current president and chief operating officer of the Arnot Health-Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Jim join Schuyler Hospital and the Cayuga Health System,” John Rudd, president and CEO of the Cayuga Health System, said in a news release. “He has extensive experience in the small hospital environment and he is highly respected in the field of health care administration. He brings an established track record of achievements in the development of successful affiliations and the integration of services among partner organizations.”

Under Watson’s leadership as CEO, Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital developed a successful affiliation with Arnot Health, providing the residents of Steuben County with acute hospital care, outpatient services, and a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, according to the release. In addition to 30 years of experience in health-care management, Watson holds an MBA in health services from Union College. He has served on the Hospital Association of New York State board of directors and was president of the Rochester Regional Healthcare Association from 2012-2015.

Watson will assume his new responsibilities at Schuyler Hospital and the Cayuga Health System in February. He replaces Andy Manzer, who will become executive VP and network chief operating officer at Bassett Health Care in Cooperstown.

The Cayuga Health System (cayugamed.org) comprises Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca and Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, serving the central Finger Lakes Region.

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