Markiewicz named president & CEO of Catholic Health; Sullivan steps down after 30-year career

Catholic Health Press Release

Catholic Health announced Mark Sullivan has decided to step down as president and CEO on Aug. 31 after a 30-year career with the health system. Monsignor Robert E. Zapfel, chair of Catholic Health’s Corporate Members and Sponsors Council, also announced the appointment of Joyce Markiewicz, the system’s executive vice president and chief business development officer, to succeed Sullivan as president and CEO.

The council is composed of representatives from the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, Hamburg; and the Diocese of Buffalo.

“Planning for this transition has been underway for quite some time and has included consultation with the system’s board of trustees,” Zapfel said. “We are grateful to Mark for his devotion to our patients, long-term-care resi­dents, and community over the past three decades. He has made numerous contributions across our system in acute care, primary care, home care, and long-term care, while always keeping in mind and heart the mission of Catholic Health – to bring the healing love of Jesus to all.”

While transitions like this can be a big change for any organization, Markiewicz has the support of the leadership at Catholic Health, which is confident that her commitment to the mission of the organization will guide her as its next president and CEO.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have an outstanding, proven health care veteran for our next leader,” said Maureen Athoe, chair of Catholic Health’s board of directors. “Joyce’s strong advocacy for our patients, physicians and caregivers; track record of success; steady leadership style; and devotion to Catholic Health’s mission, made her the ideal person to serve as our next president and CEO.”

Sullivan began his career as an intern at Sisters Hospital in 1994 and steadily rose through the leadership ranks at Catholic Health, with positions as director of operations and CEO of Home Care, and Catholic Health’s first chief operating officer, before being named president and CEO in 2018. He is a respected health care executive among industry, business and political leaders.

During his tenure, Catholic Health became WNY’s unsurpassed leader in quality and patient safety, with the area’s top star ratings, safety grades, and patient experience scores for its hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and ancillary services. He brought Epic, one of the world’s premier electronic health records, to Catholic Health, and grew diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization. He also established the system’s ambulatory surgery footprint, spearheaded plans to develop Lockport Memorial Hospital, and was the architect of Catholic Health’s nationally recognized COVID response efforts, which included the creation of the New York state’s first COVID-only hospital.

For his next chapter, Sullivan plans to pursue opportunities to mentor, educate and prepare the next generation of health care executives.

“I have truly been blessed and humbled to work in and lead such a wonderful ministry with so many outstanding caregivers along my 30-year journey,” Sullivan said. “I’m excited for the next chapter at Catholic Health and handing the reigns to an incredible leader and person in Joyce Markiewicz. There is no doubt she will take the organization to new levels while striving to ensure the community, that entrusts us with its care, has equitable access to high quality health care.”

The Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher, bishop of Buffalo, said, “Mark Sullivan has been dedicated to our health care ministry for 30 years, and we are grateful for his commitment to our mission. He helped lead the transformation of health care in our community, and we pray for God’s blessings for him. We also extend our blessings to Joyce Markiewicz as she is named president and CEO of Catholic Health. Her experience, expertise and commitment to advancing health care in our community will assist those associated with Catholic Health continue our shared ministry of healing and service to all those in need.”

Markiewicz will assume her new role on Sept. 1, serving as the fifth president and CEO in Catholic Health’s 25-year history.

She began her career as a registered nurse before assuming successive leadership positions in leading Home Health Care organizations. She joined Catholic Health in 2005 as vice president of Home Care operations and was promoted to president and CEO of Home Care the following year after orchestrating a turnaround, leading to double-digit growth for the division.

Soon after, Markiewicz was named president and CEO of home and community-based care, assuming added responsibility for the system’s nursing homes and PACE services, and subsequently for women’s, orthopedic, imaging and laboratory services. She was named an executive vice president at Catholic Health in 2015, before being named EVP and chief business development officer in 2019.

Markiewicz’s career at Catholic Health has been marked by many trailblazing accomplishments. Today, she is leading the development of Lockport Memorial Hospital, sustaining health care for thousands of area residents. She is also responsible for the development of the Sisters Health Center and Food Farmacy at the D’Youville Health Hub, expansion of the system’s home care pharmacy and the creation of its specialty pharmacy; and the launch of THRIVE, a unique program to recruit, retain and support frontline caregivers in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, Ascension Michigan, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.

Known for developing innovative approaches to health care and leading highly effective strategic partnerships, Markiewicz has forged new pathways in contemporary health care delivery. She has demonstrated a vision and fortitude to chart successful new paths for Catholic Health that recognize the dynamic nature of health care today, as well as the changing needs of the community.