The Albany Med Health System has announced a change in its leadership, with Daniel T. Pickett, III named as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. This appointment is effective immediately and follows a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors. Pickett succeeds Dennis P. McKenna, MD, who served the organization for 28 years, including five years as CEO.
Raimundo “Rai” C. Archibold Jr. has also been selected to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. Archibold is currently Chair of the Albany Medical Center Board and has been a member of the System Board since 2012.
Pickett previously served as Chair of the Albany Med Health System Board since July 2025 and has been on the board since 2012. He will work with the current leadership team to advance long-term strategy and maintain focus on patient care.
The transition comes during an ongoing transformation plan aimed at strengthening the health system’s role as an integrated provider for northeastern New York and western New England. The Albany Med Health System comprises several entities: Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses Association.
Pickett brings experience in enterprise transformation, healthcare operations, technology innovation, and growth strategy from his work at not-for-profit institutions such as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“The Albany Med Health System has extraordinary strengths as an academic medical center, a respected medical college, aligned community hospitals, and an exceptional workforce,” Pickett said. “Our future will be built on deeper system integration, physician alignment, academic distinction, and innovation across our ambulatory and hospital care delivery network. I am honored to lead the System as we accelerate this strategy and work together across every hospital, specialty, and community to deliver the highest-quality, patient-centered care.”
Archibold highlighted that these changes support their goal of becoming a highly integrated health system under a shared vision.
“These appointments mark an important step forward as the Albany Med Health System executes its long-term strategy,” Archibold said. “Dan brings transformational leadership, deep knowledge of our system, and a commitment to excellence that aligns fully with our vision for the future. Working together across all System hospitals, our physician enterprise, and Albany Medical College, we will advance system integration, elevate academic excellence, strengthen quality and patient experience, and expand access and innovation for the region.”
