The Rutland community is mourning the loss of a deeply respected leader and advocate for healthcare access and wellness across Vermont. Tom Huebner, former president and CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC), passed away on Wednesday, March 26, at the age of 71 following a battle with cancer.
Huebner’s tenure at RRMC spanned nearly three decades. He joined the hospital in 1990 as vice president of corporate services after 15 years of healthcare leadership in the Boston area. In 1997, he was named president and CEO, a position he held until his retirement in 2018.
Under his leadership, RRMC grew in size, reputation, and scope of services, becoming one of Vermont’s leading healthcare institutions. He championed initiatives that emphasized community wellness, patient-centered care, and collaboration across systems. Those who worked alongside him remember his leadership as steady, compassionate, and visionary.
Before his time at RRMC, he served as executive vice president at Choate-Symmes Health Services in Woburn, Massachusetts. He also held roles with the Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He earned his B.A. from Colby College and an MBA in health management from Boston University.
In retirement, Huebner remained a tireless advocate for healthcare throughout the state. He served on numerous boards, including BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont, Community Health, the Brattleboro Retreat, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, and the American Hospital Association. Across all these roles, he remained focused on strengthening healthcare access and improving outcomes for Vermonters.
Huebner was known not only for his professional accomplishments but for his generosity of spirit. He was a mentor to many, a colleague to all, and a friend to countless people in the Rutland area and beyond. His contributions were recognized through numerous local, state, and national awards, honoring his impact on the healthcare landscape.
Tom Huebner’s legacy lives on in the programs he helped shape, the institutions he guided, and the people he inspired. His loss will be deeply felt, and his work will be remembered with gratitude and admiration.
