Penn State Health appoints two leaders for Holy Spirit

After announcing late last month that it would be moving ahead with its acquisition of Holy Spirit Health System, Penn State Health has appointed two individuals for the system’s West Shore leadership team.

Don McKenna has expanded his roles to become regional president of the system’s two West Shore hospitals and Kyle Snyder, a former Geisinger employee, will lead the East Pennsboro Township-based Holy Spirit Medical Center.

On Oct. 30, Penn State Health acquired Holy Spirit Health System from Montour County-based Geisinger pending approval from state and federal authorities.

The acquisition was originally expected to be completed by June 30, but the sale date was delayed after the Federal Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office asked to extend their investigations.

A Penn State Health spokesperson told the journal that the system would be finalizing the deal without approval seeing as though neither regulator had announced that they would be preventing the sale.

The acquisition gave Penn State Health ownership of the Cumberland County health system, its 306-bed hospital and 28 outpatient locations across four counties. The deal also included over 2,400 Geisinger employees who have now joined Penn State Health.

Following the acquisition, Penn State Health changed the hospital’s name from Holy Spirit Hospital to Holy Spirit Medical Center.

Don McKenna, who was hired in April to lead Penn State Health’s incoming Hampden Medical Center as its president, will lead both Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers as regional president.

Since April, McKenna has focused on growing the leadership team and developing a hospital program in anticipation for Hampden Medical Center’s 2021 opening. In his new expanded role, McKenna will give executive level leadership for both hospitals.

“In the short time since Don joined us, his contributions have been instrumental in preparing Penn State Health to meet the unique needs of the communities on the West Shore,” said Steve Massini, CEO of Penn State Health. “Under his leadership, we will deliver on our commitment to expand access for the region’s residents to high-quality, comprehensive primary and specialty care services close to home.”

Kyle Snyder, Holy Spirit Hospital’s former chief administrative officer, has taken on the role of senior vice president and COO for Holy Spirit Medical Center.

Snyder joins Penn State Health after four years as chief administrative officer of Holy Spirit. As senior vice president and chief operating officer of Holy Spirit Medical Center, he is responsible for the hospital’s daily operations, managing and developing staff and ensuring high-quality care and strong fiscal operations.

“Kyle did an excellent job leading Holy Spirit Hospital during his tenure, and his partnership and strong leadership were key to its successful transition to Penn State Health,” Massini said. “We look to him to help us honor Holy Spirit’s history and continue its legacy of providing quality, compassionate care to the community as part of our health system.”