James R. Knickman, Founding President and CEO, Stepping Down from New York State Health Foundation

 

James R. Knickman, founding President and CEO of the New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth), plans to leave the Foundation during the first half of 2016, after a successor is identified. Dr. Knickman, who joined NYSHealth in May 2006 as its first employee, will be returning to his academic roots to join the faculty of New York University.   

 

A search for the Foundation’s next President and CEO is underway. Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group has been retained to assist NYSHealth’s Board of Directors in the search process. 

 

“Jim Knickman has been an incredibly effective leader in establishing and growing the New York State Health Foundation into a visible, respected organization that has had tangible impacts on our State’s health system,” said Dr. Robert G. Smith, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “New York’s success in implementing the Affordable Care Act, improving care for patients with diabetes, attracting federal funds to support community health centers and vulnerable veteran families—Jim’s fingerprints are on all of these accomplishments. As we look to the future, the Board is eager to find a new leader who will continue the Foundation’s commitment to positive, enduring, measurable impact that helps New Yorkers stay healthy and ensures that our health care system works better.”   

 

“It has been a privilege to lead the New York State Health Foundation through its first decade,” said Dr. Knickman. “I have had three great jobs in my career: first at NYU, then at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and finally here at NYSHealth. I’m looking forward to one more professional experience with my return to NYU, but I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for my experience at NYSHealth. I have chosen 2016 as my departure date because I believe 10 years is the right amount of time, at least for me, to lead a foundation. I look forward to helping our Board find a great new CEO.”