In final phase of succession plan, Holland Hospital names new CEO

Hospital President Patti VanDort will step into the CEO role on Jan. 29, completing a leadership transition that began in April 2022. 

VanDort’s career spans 37 years, including more than 20 on Holland Hospital’s executive team. Her leadership started in 2001 as vice president for nursing and chief nursing officer. In 2018, VanDort became senior vice president of hospital operations. She was named hospital president in April 2022, kicking off the hospital’s succession plan. 

“I am honored to steer the organization through this new era while ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality and compassionate care to our patients,” VanDort said. “Together with our exceptional team of skilled providers and dedicated staff, both Mark (Pawlak) and I look forward to continuing to grow and advance our efforts to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

VanDort takes over for Dale Sowders, who served as hospital CEO since 2002. He was also hospital president from 2002 to 2022, when VanDort succeeded him. Although Sowders is retiring as CEO, he plans to continue in his role as vice chair of the hospital’s board of directors through the end of 2024. 

Mark Pawlak will take over as president on Jan. 29. He's held healthcare leadership positions since 1991, including roles at Holland Hospital since 1998. Pawlak was most recently the company's executive vice president, following time as senior vice president and vice president of ancillary services, among other roles.  

"The (board) and I have full confidence their expertise and visionary leadership will be a major asset in guiding the hospital to continuous growth," Sowders wrote in a release.

— Article provided by Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.