Cindy Becker, Highland Hospital’s chief operating officer and vice president, has announced that she will be retiring from her position in December to spend more time with her family.
“After 34 years at Highland Hospital, and 23 years as chief operating officer, I’ve decided that it is time to transition from my role,” said Becker. “I have thought long and hard about this, and while it is still surreal to write, I will retire on Dec. 2 of this year.”
Becker has been employed at Highland Hospital since 1988 and served as vice president and COO since 1999. During this time, the hospital grew significantly — from an average of 50 to 60 patients in 1999 to nearly 24,000 discharges, 43,000 emergency department visits, and 14,000 operating room cases in 2021. The hospital occupancy now regularly meets or exceeds its licensed 261-bed capacity.
Throughout her tenure, and alongside Steven I. Goldstein, president and CEO and its board of directors, Highland has achieved numerous milestones, including achieving multiple Joint Commission certifications for Evarts Joint Center, Geriatric Fracture Center, Gynecologic Oncology and Palliative Care.
“Cindy epitomizes excellence in leadership, compassion in community advocacy, and commitment to Highland Hospital, the patients it serves, and its employees and providers,” said Goldstein. “I serve as president and CEO of Highland, but I can attest that it’s because of Cindy’s leadership that Highland has a reputation as a high-quality community hospital known for its patient- and family-centered, compassionate care.”
“Cindy embodies Highland Hospital’s mission,” said Mark A. Eidlin, immediate past chairman of the Highland board of directors. “On behalf of the board of directors, the leadership team, all employees and providers, and most importantly, the hundreds of thousands of patients served during Cindy’s tenure, we thank her for her transformational and inspirational leadership. We are inspired by Cindy and are sincerely grateful for her dedication and devotion to Highland Hospital.”
“As I reflect on our hospital’s history and its impact on our community, I am inspired and exceptionally proud. Working together, we’ve helped millions of people lead healthier lives,” said Becker. “We have created a unique and very special culture that serves a higher purpose for our patients, their families, and our employees and providers. I am confident that this will endure.”