Daniel T. Pickett, III Elected Albany Med Health System Board Chairman

Pickett Succeeds Robert T. Cushing After More Than a Decade of Leadership

• Pickett’s priorities include advancing integration between System hospitals, strengthening access to health care services, workforce development
• Landmark growth achieved under Cushing’s 12-year tenure as chairman
• Regional, independent governance key to success

Capital Region entrepreneur Daniel T. Pickett, III, has been elected chairman of the Albany Med Health System board of directors. Pickett will begin a two-year term July 1.

Pickett is the CEO of AptiHealth, a behavioral healthcare company that he founded to connect high-need patients quickly and efficiently to comprehensive care. Pickett is also the CEO of private investment company Hudson River Capital Holdings. He previously was the president of Zones and CEO of nfrastructure, two global technology companies. He joined the Albany Medical Center board in 2012.

“A strong health care network allows communities to thrive, and none shows the same level of commitment as the Albany Med Health System,” Pickett said. “Because our 16,000 colleagues all live and work in the region we serve, we respond best to the needs of our neighbors. It is an honor and privilege to support them. My vision is not just for the System to remain on the leading edge of health care, but to define it. As we move into the future, it is essential to develop the best new approaches to meet our patients where they are with the care they need. Remaining a proudly independent System will enable us to do that with the highest degree of excellence.”

Pickett’s priorities include workforce development, expanding access to specialized services only the Albany Med Health System provides, and extending integration between system hospitals. The System is the largest private employer in the region and offers more than 60 medical and surgical specialty services in 125 locations. In recent years, the System has brought numerous specialties to communities in which they were not previously available, advancing the system’s goal to elevate quality care in a way that is accessible, consistent, and fiscally responsible.

“Dan is a visionary leader who knows the Capital Region and the indispensable role the Albany Med Health System holds in its identity,” said Dennis P. McKenna, MD, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “His dedication to improving health and innovating access make him the perfect fit to lead the next chapter in our System story. Dan has a remarkable talent to see the horizon and plot a deliberate, measurable, and transformative way to get there. As an engaged and trusted member of our board, he has helped expand our organization to the size and scope it holds today. I am confident Dan will guide the System to even greater success in shaping the future of quality health care for the three million people we serve.”

Pickett succeeds Robert T. Cushing, who served as chairman since 2013. His tenure paralleled a period of exceptional growth for Albany Medical Center. Working alongside retired Albany Med President and CEO James J. Barba, Cushing was instrumental in the opening of the $360-million Patient Pavilion and the $110-million Park South redevelopment project. The Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center became the first of its kind in the region when it opened during Cushing’s fifth year leading the board. He also chaired the committee that in 2019 selected Dr. McKenna as current president and CEO of the System. Together, Cushing and Dr. McKenna led Albany Med through the Covid-19 pandemic. The hospital and the System were pivotal in the region’s response to the challenge of a generation.

Cushing’s impact extends well beyond the Albany campus. With his guidance and expertise, the Albany Med Health System was formed. Columbia Memorial Health, Saratoga Hospital, Glens Falls Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses all signed strategic affiliation agreements under Cushing’s leadership to form the largest and only locally governed health system in northeastern New York. When he became chairman, the board oversaw Albany Medical Center and Albany Medical College. The board now includes 30 members who guide the entire System. Cushing also guided the board in the System’s implementation of Epic electronic medical record. In November 2024, all System hospitals became connected to Epic, unifying patient records and introducing a shared portal where patients can easily access their health information.

After distinguished career in finance, Cushing retired as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Trustco Bank in 2015. He will continue to serve on the board after stepping down as chairman.

Dr. McKenna said, “Bob has shown himself to be an exceptional leader at a particularly extraordinary time in the health care field. He has built strong relationships, communicates clearly, and is not afraid to make tough decisions. Thoughtful, kind, and compassionate, he has made everyone feel respected and a valuable part of the team. Bob’s leadership has left an indelible mark on all of us, and we are grateful for his selfless service.”