POTSDAM – St. Lawrence Health (SLH) President Donna McGregor was recently named to the
“110 Rural Hospital and Health System CEOs to Know in 2024” and the “196 Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know in 2024” by Becker's Health Review. The presidents and CEOs featured on the lists are acknowledged for growing their organizations, fostering positive workforce cultures, expanding services and facilities, increasing provider and patient satisfaction levels, and more. This national recognition shines light on the care provided by the providers and team members with St. Lawrence Health.
“So much of what I have been part of as St. Lawrence Health President has been a success because of the people who are working along-side me. I believe we have a Leadership Team that is second to none, and every day I am overwhelmed by the dedication and work ethic of all the individuals who make up this organization,” said Ms. McGregor. “It is a true privilege to be part of such an amazing community, and a member of the St. Lawrence Health team.”
Under her leadership in the past two years, St. Lawrence Health achieved significant milestones, including the successful integration into Rochester Regional Health, which involved implementing a unified electronic medical record system ensuring swift and accurate access to medical records for patients and providers. Additionally, the acquisition of Seaway Valley Ambulance Services into St. Lawrence Health was completed, and investments in the future success of Massena Hospital through the upcoming opening of a new Wound Care Center. A major win for patients is the construction commencement on the St. Lawrence Health Regional Care Pavilion at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, expected to be completed in 2024.

“Beyond Donna’s highly competent stewardship, her innovative and community-focused efforts will, for years to come, greatly enhance the breadth and depth of high-quality healthcare available in our region. On behalf of the trustees of the organization, we as a group couldn’t be more proud of Donna in receiving this recognition,” said Chair of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the St. Lawrence Health Board of Directors Mark Cornett.
Going forward, McGregor is committed to advancing the St. Lawrence Region Rural Health Strategy. With $45 million raised to fund the rural health strategy, the focus is on expanding patient transportation, maternal child health, behavioral health outreach, primary care and workforce development. Leveraging the relationship between St. Lawrence Health and Rochester Regional Health, progress has already been seen through expanded telehealth offerings, new specialists, and access to world-class cardiology programming with full integration with the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute in Rochester.
“Donna is a beacon of light with a compass pointed to the future of health care for all residents and visitors to the St. Lawrence region,” said President of Health Care Operations and Chief Operating Officer for Rochester Regional Health Jennifer Eslinger. “At a time when many hospitals were facing major concerns, Donna was already on the path to assuring the future of these important community hospitals, and could see the benefits the collaboration of the two systems would bring to patients and team members alike.”
As president of St. Lawrence Health, Ms. McGregor oversees Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, Massena Hospital, and all related facilities. She was named President in 2022, previously serving as Chief Financial Officer since 2020.