UPMC Harrisburg names new president

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The COO of UPMC in Central Pa. has been named president of UPMC Harrisburg. 

David Gibbons, president of UPMC in Central Pa. made the announcement that Elizabeth Ritter will take the leadership role in a letter to hospital staff this week. 

“Over the past two months, I have been honored to lead this region as interim president of both the region and of UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community, and UPMC West Shore. And while I’ve enjoyed every moment, I recognize that the latter role requires someone who can be hands-on, who knows the hospitals inside and out, and is experienced and respected by the staff,” said Gibbons, who is also in charge of UPMC’s Northwest and North Central Pa. Regions. 

Ritter will transition into the role, working closely with Gibbons, he said.  

“As the Central Pa. market continues to grow, it will lead to her expanded focus at UPMC Community and UPMC West Shore. She will continue to report to me in her new role,” he said 

Ritter began her career with UPMC in 2013 as an administrative resident at UPMC McKeesport. Soon after, she became an administrative fellow under Gibbons at UPMC Hamot, which led to her appointment as director of Operations.  

In 2018, Ritter became director of Activation Planning in Central Pa., and in 2022, she was named chief operating officer of the region. 

“Ritter has amassed a list of impressive accomplishments throughout her career and notably in central Pennsylvania. She has supported the integration of our pediatric initiatives and the centralization of UPMC Lititz,” Gibbons said. “She was instrumental in the opening and transition planning of the new UPMC Memorial. She was also integral in the creation of Central Pa. MedCall, in our COVID-19 response, and most recently in the development of our anesthesia services at UPMC Harrisburg” 

Ritter also serves as co-director of the UPMC Administrative Fellowship Program, overseeing new generations of administrative fellows. 

“We are fortunate to have an exceptional and experienced leadership team, enriched by Elizabeth’s insight and vision,” Gibbons said. “I have no doubt that Elizabeth will continue to do great things in this new role to further grow our services in this key region.”