Local Healthcare CEO to Step Down in November: What It Means for Ithaca’s Community Health Services

ITHACA, N.Y. — Dr. Martin Stallone, the CEO of Centralus Health, announced on Wednesday that he will step down on November 7, 2025. He’s moving on to become an executive vice president at The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, which oversees Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. His new role starts December 1. In his internal email to staff, Stallone expressed his gratitude for his time at Centralus Health, stating it has been both a privilege and an honor to work with the team.

Stallone has led the organization since its formation in January 2025, following the merger of Cayuga Health and Arnot Health. This partnership aimed to strengthen healthcare services in rural areas across upstate New York.

Upon Stallone’s departure, Rob Lawlis will take over as the new CEO. Lawlis has been involved with Cayuga Health since 2008 and currently oversees multiple related organizations. His appointment was part of a planned succession to ensure stability within Centralus Health.

Stallone’s tenure is marked by significant growth, especially the merger that established Centralus Health. This organization now serves nine counties and provides over $1 billion in medical services annually. His leadership saw the acquisition of various health practices, including several local medical groups and services aimed at improving community access to care.

In an exciting development, Centralus Health is also working on a crisis stabilization center at the Shops at Ithaca Mall. This multimillion-dollar project is supported by $1.5 million in funding from the Tompkins Community Recovery Fund. The aim is to expand local mental health services, addressing a growing need in the community.

Stallone’s insights into the challenges faced by healthcare organizations resonate with many leaders in the field today. Recent studies show that rural healthcare systems are struggling with staffing shortages and funding constraints, making effective leadership crucial. These challenges highlight the importance of strategic planning and innovation in healthcare management, just as Stallone emphasized in his farewell message.

As Centralus Health moves forward, they plan to continue optimizing their systems and implementing strategies to keep healthcare accessible and effective for everyone in the region.

In this evolving landscape of healthcare, the importance of strong leadership, community engagement, and innovative solutions cannot be overstated. Centralus Health’s future direction under Lawlis’s leadership will be closely watched, with high hopes for continued improvements in local health services.

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