Albany Med CEO Focuses on Controllable Growth Amid Policy Shifts

Daniel Pickett III discusses priorities like capital projects, clinical integration, and supporting vulnerable populations as the system navigates federal healthcare changes.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Daniel Pickett III, the new president and CEO of Albany Med Health System, is leading the organization's long-term strategy amid shifting federal healthcare policy. Pickett is focused on executing the system's First Choice 2030 plan, strengthening leadership, advancing capital projects, and deepening clinical integration across the system, rather than getting consumed by advocacy around policy changes like Medicaid funding cuts.

Why it matters

As a large health system serving both rural and urban communities, Albany Med is closely monitoring how federal policy decisions will impact care delivery, especially for vulnerable populations that rely on Medicaid. Pickett emphasizes the importance of maintaining coverage and eligibility to ensure continuity of care, while also investing in key service lines and behavioral health integration to meet community needs.

The details

Pickett, who previously served as board chair, has brought in three senior executives to strengthen system integration, quality, and operational performance. The system is moving forward with major capital projects like a $25 million emergency department expansion at Albany Medical Center Hospital and an ambulatory surgery center in Hudson, NY. Albany Med is also focusing on advancing systemwide service lines in areas of strength like oncology, cardiovascular, and neuroscience, as well as prioritizing behavioral health integration.

  • Pickett became president and CEO of Albany Med Health System about 60 days ago.
  • Pickett previously served as chair of the system board beginning in July 2025 and as a board member since 2012.

The players

Daniel Pickett III

The new president and CEO of Albany Med Health System, bringing over a decade of governance experience at nonprofit institutions to the role.

Raimundo Archibold Jr.

The new chair of the Albany Med Health System board.

Tony James

The new executive vice president of strategy, transformation and corporate development at Albany Med, previously held a senior role at Mass General Brigham.

Gregg Meyer, MD

The new senior clinical and strategic advisor at Albany Med, previously held chief clinical officer roles at Mass General Brigham and Dartmouth-Hitchcock.

Steven M. Frisch, MD

A longtime leader within Albany Med who returned as senior strategic advisor, previously served as senior executive vice president for the integrated delivery system.

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What they’re saying

“We operate in a market with substantial government payers and substantial Medicaid in our hospitals. It's important that federal policy, and how it flows down to the state level, puts us in a position to continue offering the care required for those populations, including really vulnerable populations.”

— Daniel Pickett III, President and CEO, Albany Med Health System

“Coverage in general is a big concern. The more we can keep the people who need our care covered, and not end up with a swelling uninsured population, the better. Eligibility is going to be important so we can have continuity for the people who count on us.”

— Daniel Pickett III, President and CEO, Albany Med Health System

What’s next

Albany Med will continue to monitor federal healthcare policy changes and advocate alongside other systems that share concerns about the potential impacts. The system's immediate priorities are executing on its First Choice 2030 strategy, strengthening leadership, advancing capital projects, and deepening clinical integration.

The takeaway

Despite the uncertainty around federal healthcare policy, Albany Med's new CEO is focused on the factors the system can control, such as investing in infrastructure, talent, and service line development to best serve the diverse communities in its footprint, from rural to urban areas.