Dignity Health recently announced the appointment of Thomas “Tom” Salerno as president and chief executive officer of St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. Salerno joins Dignity Health with over 25 years of experience as chief executive officer in California and Arizona hospitals.
Salerno is originally from New Jersey but received his MPA from California State University, Long Beach.
Salerno has a strong track record for leading successful hospital and healthcare system financial turnarounds, system operations, construction projects, capital acquisitions, innovative quality care, safety programs, compliance, and revenue growth. He has also built positive relationships with boards, medical staffs, employees and communities throughout his career.
Most recently, Salerno served as CEO at Anaheim General Hospital where he was recognized by the Senior Care Humanitarian Association of Southern California for Outstanding Hospital Administrator of the Year for leadership and guidance in regaining HFAP Accreditation and CMS Certification.
Prior to serving Anaheim General, Salerno held CEO roles for Hospital Partners of America, Charlotte, NC as well as a number of hospitals within ORNDA Healthcare/Summit Health LTD in Nashville including St. Luke’s Health System, Phoenix, Ariz.; French Hospital/Valley Community Hospital, San Luis Obispo; and Santa Maria, Calif.; Whittier Medical Center, Whittier, and Santa Ana Medical Center. Salerno also served as regional vice president of Province Healthcare, Brentwood, Tenn.
Salerno is affiliated with the American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals, and serves as a board member for the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and several Chambers of Commerce. He is also a Rotarian; a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Bernard Pastoral Council; and a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member in good standing.
According to Mark Meyers, Dignity Health senior vice president for operations, Los Angeles Service Area, the selection process for the president position identified internal and external candidates and Salerno emerged as the one that best to fit the needs of St. Mary Medical Center. “I would like to thank the St. Mary Medical Center staff and the Board, as well as Gail Daly who served as interim hospital president since November 2011. Daly will return to her leadership role as vice president, chief operating officer,” Meyers said.
