Visionary Leadership for Bold Transformation
Seasoned regional leader Daniel T. Pickett III has been named President and CEO of Albany Med Health System, the largest locally governed health system and the largest private employer in northeastern New York and western New England. Pickett’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as the System advances First Choice 2030—a comprehensive strategy to become the region’s trusted, connected, and transformative academic health system.
Pickett brings deep experience in enterprise transformation, health care operations, technology innovation, and growth strategy. His dedication to Albany Med Health System is longstanding, having served as Chair of the System Board since July 2025 and as a Board member since 2012. In his new role, he will work closely with leaders across the System to advance long-term strategy, sustainable growth, and excellence in patient-centered, value-based care.
“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. “Guided by our Vision, First Choice 2030, and our Mission, our future will be built on deeper System integration, physician alignment, academic distinction, and innovation across our outpatient and hospital care network. I am honored to lead the System as we work together across every hospital, specialty, and community to deliver exceptional outcomes and experiences.”
Community is central to both the System and Pickett’s leadership philosophy. He has served on the boards of Gilda’s Club of the Capital Region and the Pickett Family Foundation, in addition to his long-standing service to Albany Med Health System. He is also a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he was once the youngest trustee in the institution’s history. An RPI graduate, Pickett holds a degree in industrial management and engineering.
Pickett views Albany Med Health System as a cornerstone of the Capital Region’s stability, growth, and identity. In 2024, patients turned to the System nearly three million times. With 16,000 employees and more than 100 community partnerships, the System supports health, education, and quality of life for people of all ages. As the region’s only academic health system, Albany Med generates $5.8 billion in total economic impact as an employer, purchaser, and hub for education, research, and innovation.
“Our System is a major driver of the region’s workforce pipeline, public health infrastructure, and innovation economy,” Pickett said. “Our employees are the heart of our mission. Everything we do—care delivery, education, discovery, and community partnership—flows from that commitment.”
Pickett’s passion for health care began at home. A Mechanicville native and the son of a nurse, he grew up watching his mother work overnight shifts—an experience that instilled a deep respect for the compassion, skill, and dedication health care professionals bring to patients every day.
“Albany Med Health System is essential to our region—not only as a health care provider, but as an anchor institution that educates, employs, heals, and serves,” Pickett said. “It is profoundly humbling to lead this System, and we will work every day to earn trust as the first choice for care, for careers, and for partnership across our communities.”
Alongside Pickett’s appointment, the Board of Directors has named Raimundo C. Archibold Jr. as Chair of the Board. Archibold has served on the System Board since 2012 and brings more than 25 years of experience across technology, health care, governance, and capital markets.
“These leadership appointments mark an important step forward as Albany Med Health System executes its long-term strategy,” Archibold said. “Dan brings transformational leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and a commitment to excellence that aligns fully with our Vision and First Choice 2030 strategy. Working together across our hospitals, 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.”