(L-R): Suzanne E. Fischer-Huettner, publisher of the Daily Record poses with John Ness, MBA, president & chief executive of West Cecil Health Center at the Nov. 5 awards ceremony
West Cecil Health Center, a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center providing affordable, accessible healthcare to members of its surrounding community, is pleased to announce John Ness, MBA, the organization’s president and chief executive, has been named one of Maryland’s 2018 “Most Admired CEOs” by The Daily Record. Ness was presented the award during a ceremony at the BWI Hilton the evening of Monday, November 5.
“Receiving leadership recognition is truly an honor,” says Ness. “The word ‘affordable’ is often associated with a product that must sacrifice quality to lower the cost. This is not the case at WCHC, and we continue to break the stereotype that great minds, ideas and accomplishments can’t possibly be within a rural health system. I am absolutely elated to be a part of such a wonderful organization and thank my staff and board of directors for their continued trust and support.”
The Daily Record created the “Most Admired CEOs” awards program to recognize talented business CEOs and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland for their leadership and vision. The winners were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and letters of reference submitted by co-workers, board members and community leaders showing the CEO's leadership and vision.
"This year's Most Admired CEOs have climbed the career ladder by pursuing a commitment to excellence every day. They surround themselves with great team members, leaders and employees who believe in the organization’s core values and mission," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, publisher of The Daily Record. "Most Admired CEOs empower and elevate those who work for them and with them in the workplace and in the community. Mentoring the next generation is important to these outstanding leaders, too. We at The Daily Recordare pleased to recognize them."
John Ness joined WCHC in 2012 as the organization’s chief financial officer. At the time, the organization was a single-site health center in Conowingo that offered primary care and behavioral health services to the residents of Cecil County. With strategic guidance and leadership skills developed through years of experience forecasting and managing large-scale budgets, Ness helped WCHC expand to locations in Havre de Grace in 2014 and Perryville in 2017, where WCHC now offers affordable dental procedures through a partnership with the University of Maryland School of Dentistry.
“One of John’s greatest qualities is his ability to listen to new ideas and be open to change,” says Susan Stephens, WCHC’s board chair. “John knows that the healthcare industry is ever-changing and invites opportunity for growth by being open to new perspectives that improve and enhance the organization.”
A life-long Cecil County resident and active member of his community, Ness received his B.S. in Business Administration from West Virginia University and MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Wilmington University. He currently sits on the board for Maryland Rural Health Association and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers. In his personal time, he is a parent volunteer in his local 4-H club and an active participant in the Cecil County fair each year.
Please direct all media and interview requests to Fallston Group’s Marketing Communications Manager, Andrea Lynn, at 410-420-2001 or by email at andrea.lynn@fallstongroup.com.
About West Cecil Health Center:
Founded in 2008, West Cecil Health Center (WCHC) is a nonprofit Community Health Center providing accessible, affordable, high quality health care to underserved communities in the surrounding area. Through collaboration with community partners such as local hospitals and universities, WCHC’s mission is to increase access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care and improve the health care status of underserved, underinsured and non-insured members of the communities we serve. Services include primary care, behavioral health, gynecology and dental. For more information, call 410-378-9696 or visit www.westcecilhealth.org.
