McDermott to depart as Mary Washington Healthcare CEO

Dr. Michael McDermott, president and CEO of Fredericksburg-based Mary Washington Healthcare since 2015, will leave to become head of Montage Health in California, the health system announced Monday. Dr. Christopher Newman, MWHC’s chief operating officer and chief medical officer, will succeed McDermott starting in spring 2025.

Newman joined Mary Washington in 2019. He previously served as chief medical officer for Penn State Health St. Joseph Regional Health Network and led operations for Penn State Health’s medical group, and holds a medical degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.

“I am extremely proud of everything Mary Washington Healthcare has achieved during my time as CEO and I am confident that under Dr. Newman’s leadership, the system will continue to grow and advance,” McDermott said in a statement. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to lead MWHC for the past 10 years, and I’m excited to watch its progress continue under Chris’ leadership.”

Mary Washington Healthcare began as an eight-room hospital in Fredericksburg in 1899 and now encompasses two hospitals, four emergency departments and more than 60 health care facilities. In May, Fredericksburg City Council approved a $40 million expansion of the Mary Washington Hospital Campus. A radiologist, McDermott previously practiced with Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg. He received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and an MBA from U.Va.

“I’m deeply honored to be selected for the role of CEO, and I’m committed to continuing our mission of improving the health of the people in our communities,” Newman said. “As our system continues to grow rapidly, I’m excited to build on our momentum from the past several years and to keep working to make Mary Washington the best health system for our providers, team members, patients and community members.”