03/19/2025
đź’™ Cone Health President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mary Jo Cagle, has decided to step down from her role due to a serious family health matter. Her last day at Cone Health will be May 31, 2025.
“It has been a joy and privilege to lead this system. I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished to increase access to care, enhance patient safety and care quality,” Cagle said. “The future is bright as Cone Health leverages new approaches, capabilities and data to make proactive wellness care affordable and accessible for all.”
Cagle is notably the first woman and the first physician to serve as CEO at Cone Health. She led Cone Health through the COVID-19 pandemic and was a driving force in Cone Health becoming part of RisantHealth. Her leadership has been instrumental in prioritizing value-based care and ensuring better health care for all.
Just last week, Cagle was named one of Modern Healthcare’s Leading Women of 2025. She was previously named a Grassroots Champion by the American Hospital Association and one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives by Modern Healthcare. She was also named one of Triad Business Journal’s C-Suite Award winners and Power Players. Under her leadership, Cone Health has also been named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top hospitals in 2024–2025 as well as a Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access.
Bernard “Bernie” Sherry, who has served as Cone Health’s Interim Chief Operating Officer since December 2024, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer beginning June 1, 2025, following Dr. Cagle’s departure. The new Chief Operating Officer is expected to be named in the weeks ahead.
Cone Health has initiated a nationwide search for the next Cone Health CEO.
🗞️🔗 Read the full news release here:
https://www.conehealth.com/news/news-search/2025-news-releases/cone-health-ceo-announces-decision-to-step-down/