WittKieffer and Southcoast Health have partnered in the national search for Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven, patient-centered organization that delivers world-class care across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and an exceptional chance to lead the transition from a fully outsourced legal function to a strong internal team of legal providers.

With over $1.8 Billion in annual revenues and over 8,600 employees, Southcoast Health System is the largest employer in Southeastern Massachusetts and the 18th largest employer within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Founded in 1996 through the merger of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River (founded in 1885,) St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford (founded in 1884) and Tobey Hospital in Wareham (founded in 1938), Southcoast Health System (SHS) is the largest provider of primary and specialty care across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Beyond the systems three hospitals, SHS includes the Southcoast Physicians Group (SPG), Southcoast Health and Home, Southcoast Behavioral Health (a joint venture in Dartmouth) and a physician network of more than 900 providers. The system takes pride in the clinical excellence it achieves for patients and is committed to hospital quality and safety in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island at three hospitals, ancillary facilities, and many physicians' practices.

Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer for SHS, David McCready, the CLO will serve as the senior legal advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and Board of Trustees. As a key strategic partner, the CLO provides expert counsel on all legal, regulatory, compliance, and governance matters affecting a complex, community based, integrated health system. The CLO ensures that SHS's legal strategy supports its mission of delivering exceptional, community focused care across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The role also leads the Legal Services function, oversees outside counsel, and partners closely with compliance, risk, privacy, and government affairs to safeguard the organization and advance its strategic goals.

The individual selected for this position will be a highly strategic, proactive attorney who is well versed in the business dynamics and regulatory environment of the healthcare industry. They are innovative and entrepreneurial as well as someone who creates solutions that will facilitate SHS's strategy to assure success and growth. They will have outstanding academic credentials, including a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and active membership in the Massachusetts Bar Association upon date of hire. A minimum of ten years of experience as an attorney supporting hospitals, health systems, or other healthcare providers is required, along with demonstrated expertise in healthcare regulatory matters, healthcare contracting, physician alignment, healthcare litigation, and healthcare transactions. Prior executive-level leadership experience overseeing legal teams in a dynamic, integrated health system—and success in leveraging technology and operational improvements to enhance departmental performance—is strongly preferred.

Expressions of interest, nominations, and applications are welcome and can be made via the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. Other confidential inquiries can be submitted to the WittKieffer consultants supporting this search, Rachel Polhemus, Werner Boel and Melaney Mooradian via email to rachelp@wittkieffer.com, wernerb@wittkieffer.com or mmooradian@wittkieffer.com.

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