RRH Appoints Melissa Gardner as President, COO of RRH Clinically Integrated Network

Rochester, NY - Rochester Regional Health (RRH) today announced the appointment of Melissa Gardner, MPH, as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Rochester Regional Health Clinically Integrated Network, effective January 25, 2026. This appointment reflects RRH’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective care across the regions it serves.

In this role, Gardner will oversee strategy and performance for RRH's region-wide clinically integrated network, supporting value-based care and population health initiatives across the health system.

The Clinically Integrated Network is a multi-specialty network of employed and affiliated providers within an integrated delivery system designed to advance quality, improve outcomes, and optimize total cost of care. As President and COO, Gardner will work in partnership with the System Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer to drive clinical integration, strengthen provider alignment, expand innovative risk based models, and enhance care coordination across the continuum of care.

“Melissa brings deep experience in population health, value-based care, and regional collaboration,” said Richard “Chip” Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Rochester Regional Health. “Her leadership will strengthen how we deliver integrated, high value care and support our continued focus on quality, access, and affordability for the communities we serve.”

“Melissa understands how to translate strategy into operational execution,” said Jennifer Eslinger, Chief Operating Officer of Rochester Regional Health. “She brings a strong track record of improving outcomes and clinical quality, while reducing inefficiencies through effective resource alignment across complex organizations. She will be an outstanding partner to our physicians and operational leaders as we continue advancing our Clinically Integrated Network.”

Gardner brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience focused on advancing population health, clinical quality, and operational excellence. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer for Lifetime Healthcare Companies, where she oversaw health management for more than 1.5 million members across Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial lines of business. Under her leadership, the organization delivered strong clinical quality results, negotiated value-based contracts across 80 percent of the market, and implemented medical and pharmacy cost management programs, generating more than $1.5 billion in gross savings.

Her career includes progressive leadership roles at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield spanning strategy, communications, value-based payment, analytics, network operations, and marketing. She has also played a significant role in regional community health efforts, serving on several boards, including Common Ground Health, the Rochester Regional Health Information Organization (RRHIO) and Hillside Children’s Agency.

“I am honored to join Rochester Regional Health and help advance the system’s commitment to high quality, equitable, and affordable care,” said Gardner. “The Clinically Integrated Network is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful improvements in patient experience, population health, and value. I look forward to partnering with clinicians, leaders, payers, and community organizations as we continue building innovative models of care for our region.”

Gardner earned her Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina and her Bachelor of Science in Health Administration from Ithaca College, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

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About Rochester Regional Health

Rochester Regional Health is an integrated health services organization serving the people of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, St. Lawrence County, and beyond. The system includes nine hospitals; primary and specialty practices, rehabilitation centers, ambulatory campuses and urgent care facilities; innovative senior services, facilities and independent housing; a wide range of behavioral health services; and Rochester Regional Health Laboratories and ACM Global Laboratories, a global leader in patient and clinical trials. Rochester Regional Health is the Rochester region's second-largest employer.