St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam Announces Three New Officers and Welcomes Three New Members to its Board of Directors

Amsterdam, NY (November 3, 2021) – St. Mary’s Healthcare is pleased to announce 3 newly appointed officers and 3 new members to the St. Mary’s Board of Directors. Appointed to officer positions earlier this year were: Michael J. Pepe, Chairman; Scott Bruce, Vice Chair; Thomas Cichy, Treasurer; and Dr. Mohammed Ghazi, returning for his third year as Secretary. St. Mary’s also welcomes the appointment of Jason Packer, David Santos, and Benjamin Ziskin as new members to the St. Mary’s Board of Directors which meets monthly at the hospital.

Michael J. Pepe, is the Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager for NBT Bank and lifelong resident of Amsterdam. Michael has 42 years of experience in the banking industry and has over 35 years of Board and leadership roles at numerous organizations including Fulton-Montgomery Community College Foundation, St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, Catholic Charities of Montgomery County, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Montgomery County, Fulton County Economic Development Corp., and Fulton Montgomery Community College Board of Trustees.

Michael was elected twice to the Montgomery County’s 7th Legislative District seat in 2016 & in 2019 and served as Budget & Finance Chairman from 2017-2020. In 2021, he was elected Chairman of the Montgomery County Legislature by his fellow legislators. In addition to his recent involvement,     Michael also served 15 years on the St. Mary’s Healthcare Board of Directors prior to his appointment as Chairman and previously served as  Treasurer.

Scott Bruce, is the President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. Scott has a long and successful association with St. Mary’s Healthcare having worked at St. Mary’s for over 25 years where he served as Vice-President of Operations beginning in 2005 until his appointment as CEO in 2020. Scott is a graduate of Siena College and earned an MBA at the University of Connecticut. In previous positions at St. Mary’s, Scott has managed numerous important service expansion and construction projects including the award-winning Rao Pavilion, the establishment of several new Urgent Care, Specialty and Primary Care Centers and the expansion of diagnostic and treatment services in Medical Imaging, Laboratory and the Surgical Suite. His role in the transitioning of Amsterdam Memorial Health Care into St. Mary’s Healthcare was integral to the success of that unification in 2009.

Thomas F. Cichy C.P.A., a graduate of Siena College, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is also a member of the Tax Division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts. Prior to his recent retirement, he served as the Administrative and Engagement Partner in the CPA accounting and consulting firm L C S & Z, L.L.P. In his role, Mr. Cichy was responsible for oversight of various administrative functions of the firm and information technology. A partner since 1981, Tom offers extensive experience in professional services, construction, fabricating, processing, and importing and manufacturing industries which included non-for-profit organizations. Tom retired several years ago but maintains a deep commitment to improving the quality of the community.

Mohammed Ghazi, M.D., is a specialist in the field of Urology. He is certified by the American Board of Urology and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Locally, Dr. Ghazi is a past president of the County Medical Society, has served on the SMH Medical Staff Executive Committee, to mention only a few of his accomplishments. He is also a physician member of the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct. Previously, the Boy Scouts of America presented Mo and his wife, Taiyebeh, with the “Sir William Johnson Good Scout Award” in recognition of their outstanding community service. Dr. Ghazi is a long-time member of the Board and a past president.

The St. Mary’s Healthcare Board of Directors are also pleased to welcome Jason Packer, CEO of Hill & Markes; David Santos, Vice President with D.A. Construction; and Benjamin Ziskin, Vice President and Business Banking Manager with NBT Bank as new Board members.

Scott Bruce, President and CEO of St. Mary’s, commented; “The St. Mary’s Healthcare members of the Board of Directors continuously demonstrate a commitment to quality healthcare for our community. Their leadership and knowledge, strengthened by the vision of our legacy to serve all with compassion and excellence, sets the foundation by which the Directors live our mission, vision and values.”

Other members of the St. Mary’s Board of Directors in 2021 include: Gregory Abbattisti, John Daly, Susan Davis, Ed.D., Emily Etzkorn, M.D., Andrew Heck, Sr. Mary Anne Heenan, CSJ, and Father Robert Longobucco.