Lamoille Health Partners, a cornerstone of community healthcare in Vermont, is undergoing a leadership transition as CEO Stuart May recently concluded his tenure with the organization. This change marks a significant moment for Lamoille Health Partners, prompting reflection on a period of substantial growth and service expansion under May’s leadership.
CEO Transition at Lamoille Health Partners
The departure of Stuart May from Lamoille Health Partners was described by board chair Susan Bartlett as a mutual agreement, occurring approximately two weeks prior and timed with the start of the organization’s fiscal year on October 1st. Bartlett, former state senator and current board chair, emphasized the amicable nature of the parting, stating, “We had all agreed it was time.” Currently, Lamoille Health Partners is actively seeking a Chief Financial Officer to assist in the broader search for new leadership, ensuring a smooth transition and continued stability for the healthcare provider. Despite these vacancies, Bartlett assures that operations remain unaffected, with existing staff and board members stepping in to maintain service continuity.
Lamoille Health Partners: A Pillar of Vermont Healthcare
Waterville Elementary School kids visit Lamoille Health Partners mobile dental clinic
Lamoille Health Partners plays a vital role in Vermont’s healthcare landscape as one of eleven community health centers, and the sole center serving Lamoille County. This Federally Qualified Health Center designation underscores its commitment to providing accessible healthcare, offering primary care, pediatric services, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and dental care across locations in Stowe, Morrisville, and Cambridge. Serving approximately 19,000 individuals, Lamoille Health Partners operates on a sliding scale payment model, ensuring affordability and access for all members of the community, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Stuart May’s Legacy at Lamoille Health Partners
Stuart May’s leadership at Lamoille Health Partners began in March 2020, following a prior consulting role as CFO. His decision to step down was motivated by a desire to recalibrate his work-life balance and transition back into consulting with a more flexible schedule. May reflected, “At some point you have to take a step back and just realize there is more than just your career,” highlighting his intention to pursue consulting work that allows for greater control over his time.
His tenure at Lamoille Health Partners was characterized by significant evolution and progress. Key milestones during his leadership include:
- Rebranding: In early 2021, Community Health Services of Lamoille County was rebranded as Lamoille Health Partners, marking a new chapter for the organization.
- Data Breach and Resolution: Lamoille Health Partners navigated a data breach in 2022, subsequently settling a class-action lawsuit in Spring 2024, demonstrating resilience and commitment to patient trust.
- Service Expansion: Under May’s guidance, Lamoille Health Partners significantly expanded its service offerings, including:
- Launching an in-house retail pharmacy to enhance patient access to medications.
- Acquiring a primary care practice in Cambridge to broaden its service locations.
- Securing federal funding to develop a statewide family medicine residency program, contributing to the future of primary care in Vermont.
- Introducing urgent care walk-in services at Stowe and Morrisville clinics to address immediate healthcare needs.
- Deploying a mobile dental van, “Flo,” to deliver preventative dental care to children at Lamoille County schools, improving community oral health.
Stuart May, former CEO of Lamoille Health Partners
May expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, noting Lamoille Health Partners’ recognition by a federal agency for ranking within the top 30% of community health centers nationally for clinical quality over the past three years. Bartlett acknowledged May’s impactful leadership, stating, “Stu did many wonderful things for the organization,” underscoring his positive contributions to Lamoille Health Partners and the community it serves.
Looking Ahead for Lamoille Health Partners
As Lamoille Health Partners embarks on the search for new leadership, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to the Lamoille Valley. The foundation built during Stuart May’s tenure, marked by growth, innovation, and a commitment to community well-being, positions Lamoille Health Partners for continued success and service to Vermonters.
