With the New Year came a change at the top at Garnet Health. Effective Jan. 1, Alfred E. Pilong, Jr. began his tenure as President and CEO of Garnet Health, which includes Garnet Health Medical Center, Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills, Garnet Health Doctors, Garnet Health Urgent Care, Garnet Health Foundation and Garnet Health Foundation - Catskills.

Pilong replaced Scott Batulis who retired from Garnet Health on Dec. 31, 2021 after 15 years of service. Garnet Health announced the change in leadership last October.

Pilong started his healthcare career as a pharmacist. He has an extensive history of executive healthcare leadership positions in complex health systems and brings an impressive array of experience to Garnet Health. He most recently served as CEO of Novant Health UVA Health System in Warrenton, VA., now known as UVA Community Health. Under his leadership, the multi-hospital health system achieved accolades that include a Leap Frog Hospital Safety Grade of “A” for all acute care facilities, as well as national recognition for clinical quality in stroke, hip and knee replacement, heart failure, bariatrics, obstetrics, and cancer services.

Prior to his most recent role at UVA Community Health, Pilong served for six years as President of Munson Medical Center and Chief Operating Officer of Munson Healthcare, a nine-hospital system in Michigan. While there, he led the system to recognition by U.S. News and World Report as a Best Regional Hospital, achieved a Three-Star ranking from the Society of Cardiac Surgery and received Magnet re-designation for nursing. Prior to Munson, he served as President for Valley Health’s Winchester Medical Center in Virginia where he had administrative oversight of all operations and Centers of Excellence including heart and vascular services, orthopedics, and neurosciences. He has held senior leadership roles at Bayhealth in Delaware, and clinical positions at Kent General in Delaware.

Pilong received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy, his Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary and his MBA from Saint Joseph’s University. He is board certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Lori for 37 years and they have three adult children.