MDI Hospital’s Blank to Retire at End of 2020

In a letter to MDI Hospital's employees, President Art Blank announced his intention to retire at the end of 2020. He will be working closely with MDI Hospital’s Board of Trustees and Senior Management to develop a succession plan.

In a press release Blank said “Serving as your CEO for the past 20 years has been a great honor and privilege.  I’m proud to have been part of a great team that has served our community with such compassion and professionalism, yet Debi and I are ready to move into the next phase of our life. I am confident the future of the hospital is bright with strong leadership and a dedicated team.”

James Bright, MDI Hospital's Board Chairman said “It is impossible to put into words how much Art has done for MDI Hospital and the health of our region. His strategic vision, leadership, and advocacy have been the driving forces behind our growth, achievements, and sustainability in an ever-changing and challenging healthcare landscape. It is because of his dedication and passion that MDI Hospital remains independent, with decisions about our care, our operations, and our future being made in this community.”

Blank, has served as CEO since 1999, and has guided MDI Hospital’s vision to be the community’s medical home through the pursuit of innovative care models and an integrated health system. Under his leadership, the hospital organization has forged a groundbreaking teaching partnership with Penn Medicine, established a nonprofit retirement community, Birch Bay Retirement Village, transitioned to a critical access hospital and incorporated nine community health centers, including the community’s first full-service behavioral health center and a nonprofit dental center.

During his tenure, MDI Hospital’s inpatient, outpatient, emergency and surgical care services have been recognized by Avatar International, the Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association, Harvard Pilgrim and Healthgrades. Under Blank’s leadership, the hospital established a state-of-the-art Breast Health Center, recognized as a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, and was named the Trauma System Hospital of the Year in 2016.

Blank has led several successful capital campaigns for a wide variety of capital improvements and programmatic initiatives, including the renovation of MDI Hospital’s inpatient and obstetrical units in 2007, the construction of the Lisa Stewart Women’s Health Center in 2014, and the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art generator in 2018.