The Chief Executive Officer of Penn State Health, Steve Massini, has announced he will retire effective on October 1. Massini has led Penn State Health since 2019 and was the first Penn State alumnus to lead the university’s health system.

Massini first joined Penn State Health in 2015, serving as chief financial officer for the Hershey Medical Center. The next year, he was promoted to executive vice president, chief financial officer, and chief administrative officer of Penn State Health before becoming CEO in 2019.

“Steve is an incredibly talented executive and wonderful individual who has served Penn State Health with great distinction during his five-year tenure as CEO,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi in a statement. “He has been a transformational leader, driving expansion of the health system’s clinical presence across central Pennsylvania and the development of innovative partnerships, including our continued collaboration with Highmark Health.”

Massini was a key part of the health system’s partnership with healthcare company, Highmark, in 2017. The partnership has led to many opportunities for Penn State Health, including a $25 million investment for research at the university.

Massini also worked to bring Penn State Health closer to patients, which included the acquisition of several hospitals and clinical services.

“I am incredibly grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to serve Penn State Health and Penn State University, especially in my role as CEO,” Massini said. “Over 40 years ago when I met my wife at the first day of orientation at the Penn State DuBois campus, I could never have imagined the opportunities — both professionally and personally — that being part of the Penn State family would provide.” 

Bendapudi will announce plans for transition in the coming weeks.