MelroseWakefield Healthcare CEO Stepping Down

MELROSE, MA — MelroseWakefield Healthcare CEO Sue Sandberg is resigning, the healthcare network announced Tuesday afternoon.

Sandberg said she was moving with her husband to Colorado to be closer to their children.

The announcement comes after Sandberg steered MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and a number of physician practices in the area.

Sandberg, who has been with the network for almost three years, will stay on through July and work to name an interim CEO.

"I am deeply proud of my time with all of you and all that we have accomplished together," Sandberg said in a letter to the healthcare community. "The past year especially highlighted the exceptional dedication and talent of this organization. You all are truly heroes and a deeply valued member of our communities and of Wellforce."

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See the full letter below:

Dear MelroseWakefield Healthcare Community,

After long consideration, it is with extreme mixed emotions that I announce today my plans to resign as CEO from MelroseWakefield Healthcare. My husband and I have made the decision to move to Colorado to be closer to our children. With the ongoing ability to work from home remotely, they will not be relocating to Boston as had been planned. Together, we will start our next family chapter.

This decision was not made easily, but I believe it is the right time for my family and for the organization. In my nearly three years with MelroseWakefield Healthcare, much has been achieved and the organization is on a strong path forward for success. We are experiencing growing volumes across our services; we have successfully opened a new state-of the-art ambulatory surgery center in Medford; we have made great strides toward our goals of systemness and growing clinical integration with our Wellforce peers; and most importantly we are safely on the diminishing side of the pandemic. For me, as for many of you, the pandemic enlightened personal priorities, which further supported our decision to move to be closer to our children.

My plans are to stay with the organization through the beginning of July 2021, and I will be working closely with Wellforce CEO Michael Dandorph on a transition plan that includes naming an interim CEO. Although we are currently experiencing a number of senior leadership changes, it is an exciting time for MelroseWakefield Healthcare. Transition and transformation are part of the evolution of growth and success for any organization.

I am deeply proud of my time with all of you and all that we have accomplished together. The past year especially highlighted the exceptional dedication and talent of this organization. You all are truly heroes and a deeply valued member of our communities and of Wellforce.

It has been my privilege to have worked with all of you. I am as excited for you and the organization as I am for my family and me as we all step forward into our next chapters.

Sincerely,

Sue Sandberg, MBA, RN

Chief Executive Officer

MelroseWakefield Healthcare

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi and Instagram at MelroseHappening. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook