Kathryn (Kate) Willbarger will be the next chief executive officer at Hamilton-based Community Memorial Hospital effective May 26.
A healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience, Willbarger brings a proven track record in hospital operations, financial stewardship and strategic growth. She most recently served as chief operating officer at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, where she oversaw day-to-day operations for a $340 million health system and played a key role in advancing clinical access, patient experience and organizational performance.
According to a CMH news release, Willbarger led significant transformation efforts, including improving patient access, expanding clinical capacity through major facility investments and increasing employee engagement and patient satisfaction. In collaboration with executive leadership, she also helped achieve substantial financial improvements through operational efficiencies and strategic growth initiatives. Willbarger also served as interim chief executive officer for a period of time.
“We are so pleased to welcome Kate to Community Memorial,” said Ellen Percy Kraly, CMH Board Chair. “Her proven success and collaborative and generous spirit will bring so much to our organization and our communities.”
Willbarger is known for her collaborative leadership style and strong commitment to community-centered care. Her experience spans finance, operations, governance and system integration, with deep involvement in strategic planning and board engagement. She has led initiatives in physician alignment, workforce development, and community engagement—key priorities that align with Community Memorial’s mission.
Community Memorial’s current CEO, Jeff Coakley, announced his retirement in the fall of 2025. The hospital worked with search firm WittKiefer to lead an extensive, national search for the next CEO.
Willbarger earned a master’s degree in healthcare delivery science from Dartmouth College and a bachelor’s in accounting from Assumption College, where she graduated as valedictorian.