Finger Lakes, NY — June 17, 2025- Rochester Regional Health (RRH) announced today the appointment of Michael Rulffes, MBA, as the new President and Chief Operating Officer of Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic and Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.
Rulffes transitions into this role from his current position as Chief Operating Officer for the St. Lawrence Region and Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to team development, strategic growth, and operational improvement. Since joining Rochester Regional Health in 2023, he has progressed through key leadership roles, delivering measurable improvements to operational performance and care delivery across the region.
"Michael’s focus on strategic growth, operational excellence, and team development has had a significant impact on the performance of the St. Lawrence Region and the patients we serve,” said Jennifer Eslinger, President of Health Care Operations and COO for Rochester Regional Health. “In this new role, he will be instrumental in partnering with teams across the Eastern Region to enhance care delivery, foster integration, and deepen community engagement.”
Rulffes brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership and operations, with a proven track record of managing complex clinical organizations. Prior to joining Rochester Regional Health, he held dual executive roles at Crouse Health in Syracuse—as Executive Director of Medical Practice and Director of Provider Operations & Business Development. There, he oversaw a 400-team member multispecialty medical group comprised of 110 physicians and advanced practice providers. His responsibilities included operations, human resources, quality, finance, and the management of a $35 million budget.
Ruffles earned his MBA with a specialization in Health Care Administration from Cleveland State University. A native of Canton, he returned to the North Country in 2023 to join RRH’s St. Lawrence Health as Vice President of Physician Practice Management Operations, where he led the strategic direction and performance of employed physician practices and outpatient clinics across the network.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and join the dedicated teams at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic,” said Michael Rulffes. “These hospitals play a vital role in the health and well-being of their communities, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation already in place—working together to enhance patient care, support our team members, and advance our mission across the Finger Lakes region.”
Rulffes’ experience leading healthcare operations in the predominantly rural St. Lawrence Region has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of the distinct needs of community-based care. This positions him well to advance the delivery of high-quality, accessible services at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic. His appointment reinforces Rochester Regional Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care and strengthening health services in the Finger Lakes and surrounding communities.
This announcement is part of a broader leadership transition at Rochester Regional Health. As part of this transition, former Rural Hospitals President Dan Ireland has officially assumed the role of Chief Nursing Executive and Patient Care Officer for the health system. In addition, Jill Graziano, RN, BSN, MBA has been appointed President and COO of United Memorial Medical Center, while continuing in her role as President and COO of Unity Hospital.
###
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.
Media Relations
Julia Welbourne
Public Relations Advisor
Related News Articles
