Kahn moves up retirement date; Blessing president/CEO now stepping down July 1

QUINCY — Maureen Kahn, President/CEO of Blessing Health, has elected move up her retirement date earlier than previously announced.

Kahn. will now retire effective July 1. Last November, she had announced she was retiring in October 2023. She will now remain as an executive consultant until October 6.

Brian Canfield was announced as Kahn’s successor in February. He now becomes President/CEO of Blessing Health on July 1.

“I set my retirement date early in the process with the Board of Trustees, not knowing how long it would take to recruit my successor,” Kahn said in a news release. “The selection of an internal candidate, Brian Canfield, has made the process very efficient and effective. Brian’s near 18-month tenure with the system has made the transition very smooth. I will remain available to Brian and the board remotely/virtually during this final phase of the transition.

“The transition process has gone very well, and the organization is ready for this next step in the process. I am extremely grateful to have served Blessing Health and to have worked with providers and staff of great talents. The community is blessed with this resource. I am confident that the next chapter of Blessing Health is in very capable hands and leadership. I plan to enjoy time with my family while still keeping my eye on health care.”

Upon her retirement, Maureen will have served 22 years with Blessing Health, the last eight as health system president and chief executive officer.

During Maureen’s tenure at Blessing, the system has expanded its clinical programs of cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, surgery and trauma surgery. New medical technology has been introduced in these areas with robotics, a hybrid operating room, electrophysiology lab, as well as stereotactic body radiation therapy and stereotactic radio surgery.

Canfield joined Blessing in December 2021 as Chief Operating Officer of Blessing Health, assuming the additional duty of Blessing Hospital President in August 2022. He came to Blessing after nine years as chief operating officer at First Health of The Carolinas and Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where he was responsible for three acute care hospitals totaling 509 beds, a critical access hospital, and a staff of 4,500 employees and 950 volunteers. 

Brian served 28 years in the United States Army and Department of Defense. His last assignment was as CEO/Commanding Officer of Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.