Karen Surkala has been named the new president of Westfield Memorial Hospital, effective July 22. Submitted photo

Westfield Memorial Hospital, part of the Allegheny Health Network, has named Karen Surkala as its new president, effective July 22.

Surkala has more than 30 years of experience in the health care field, with many years of service to AHN Saint Vincent and WMH. She joined the Saint Vincent staff in 1986, later serving as vice president of Orthopaedic, Neuroscience and Oncology services, and as a senior vice president with responsibility for clinical operations support, business development, security, engineering, bio-medical engineering, marketing, communications and physician recruiting.

From 2007-11, she served as vice president and administrator for Westfield Memorial Hospital.

Surkala’s career also includes several leadership positions at the Cleveland Clinic, including director of strategic agenda management, a position she held from 2015-18.

Most recently, she served as CEO of Select Specialty Hospital in Erie.

“Karen is an accomplished hospital leader with a deep understanding of this region and its health care needs,” said Cynthia Hundorfean, president and CEO of Allegheny Health Network. “We’re thrilled to be able to welcome her back to Allegheny Health Network, and back to Westfield Memorial Hospital.”

Surkala earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Gannon University and a Masters of Business Administration from St. Leo University.

“Having previously experienced the energy, insight and excellent leadership skills of Karen Surkala when she served as our administrator, the Westfield Memorial Hospital staff and Board of Trustees are extremely excited about her appointment as our new president,” said Dr. John Hamels, WMH board chairman. “We know she will play an integral role in helping Westfield fulfill its mission of providing exceptional health and wellness services to our community.”

Surkala will take the helm after former hospital president Valerie K. Jackson passed away suddenly March 14.

Karen Surkala.jpg in july 4newsroom