Michael Costa will join Gifford Health Care as president and chief executive officer on Oct. 14, Gifford’s board of directors announced Aug. 29. Costa will succeed Dan Bennett, who will retire from the role at the Randolph hospital on Oct. 11.
“Michael is a great fit for Gifford and our supportive, community-focused culture,” said Gifford Board Vice Chair Megan Cicio, who led the board’s CEO search committee. “He brings to Gifford deep experience not only in health care administration but also in Vermont state government. He has demonstrated a clear commitment to rural health care and working to ensure organizations that deliver that care, like Gifford, thrive well into the future.”
Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, and Rochester, and specialty services throughout central Vermont.
Costa currently serves as the CEO of Northern Counties Health Care in St. Johnsbury, a role he has been in since 2019. He previously served as the deputy commissioner for the Dept. of Vermont Health Access, the state agency responsible for administering Vermont’s Medicaid health insurance program, and as deputy director of health care reform for the State of Vermont.
“Michael’s background in primary care, ambulatory and home-based care administration, and in state government—specifically, Vermont state government—is very advantageous for the kind of work that lies ahead for Gifford,” said Gifford Board Chair Vic Ribaudo, referring to the state’s pursuit of a new health care reform model (AHEAD) and financial sustainability plans under Act 167. “Michael enthusiastically embraces these challenges and especially the inherent opportunity to help shape the future of health care in Vermont.”
Costa was drawn to Gifford by its structure, people, and opportunity to effect meaningful change in rural health care.
“I am both humbled and honored to be selected as the president and CEO of Gifford Health Care,” he said. “Gifford is a truly unique organization—a hospital, Federally Qualified Health Center, and retirement community—that deeply reflects the health care needs of our community. This role offers an extraordinary opportunity to lead in rural health care and to model how to provide high-quality services while improving community health in a sustainable way.”
“During the interview process, I was impressed by the immense passion and pride that Gifford’s team members have for the organization and for one another, which has made me even more enthusiastic to join the team,” Costa added.
Costa’s top priority for his first months on the job, he said, is to listen and learn before working to develop shared goals and a long-term vision for success. That success includes amplifying Gifford’s strengths.
“Rural health care faces several significant challenges, including recruiting and retaining team members, payment rates that often do not cover costs, patients with complex health needs, and shifting demographics, to name a few,” said Costa. “However, it’s important not to overlook the strengths of rural health care: access to local services, well-coordinated care, the development of lifelong patient relationships, and the mission-driven experiences we offer our teams. I believe our approach should start with emphasizing why keeping care local is vital for every Vermonter.”
Prior to his leadership roles in health care, Costa, who trained as an attorney, served as special counsel and director of policy, outreach, and legislative affairs for the Vermont Department of Taxes, and as director of the Blue Ribbon Tax Structure Commission for the Legislative Joint Fiscal Office.
For his leadership during Covid-19, Costa was presented the 2021 Vermont Excellence in Leadership Award by the Snelling Center for Government.
He serves on several boards: as a trustee of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS), director of Bi-State Primary Care Association, director of VNAs of Vermont, manager of OneCare Vermont, corporator of Northeastern Vt Regional Hospital, and director of Vermont Federal Credit Union.
He earned his master’s degree in health care delivery science from Dartmouth College; a juris doctor from the University of Wisconsin; and a bachelor’s degree from Bates College.
Outside of work, Costa is a family man and active volunteer in his hometown of Norwich, serving as president of his local hockey association and coach and president of the baseball association.
“We look forward to welcoming Michael to Gifford in mid-October, following Dan’s retirement,” said Cicio. “We are grateful for Dan’s exceptional leadership over these many years and his work to ensure a smooth transition. Also, many thanks to our board members and Gifford team members who participated on our search committee. This group oversaw a comprehensive process that produced several qualified candidates to lead Gifford.”
For more info, visit: giffordhealthcare.org.
