Flaks to succeed Joseph at Hartford HealthCare

HBJ Photo | Matt Pilon Jeffrey A. Flaks has been named Hartford HealthCare's new chief executive.

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By Matt Pilon

Jeffrey A. Flaks will assume the role of CEO at Hartford HealthCare, succeeding longtime leader Elliot Joseph, who is retiring.

HHC announced the change, effective Sept. 1, on Thursday.

Hartford HealthCare hired Joseph as CEO in 2008, when the system only included Hartford Hospital and Midstate Medical Center. He had previously led Michigan-based system St. Johns Health. He became CEO and president of Hartford HealthCare several years later.

During his tenure, Joseph oversaw the formation and growth of what today is an approximately $3 billion health system, which includes six hospitals across the state (and counting), and a vast network of outpatient, urgent care and other facilities.

Flaks joined Midstate Medical Center in Meriden 15 years ago as chief operating officer. He has steadily climbed the ladder since, becoming Hartford Hospital’s COO in 2007, its president and CEO in 2011, COO of the system in 2013, and system president in 2016.

“The opportunity to lead this great organization is an extraordinary honor, and I consider it a true privilege,” Flaks said in a statement Thursday.

Joseph said “there is no one better than Jeff to lead Hartford HealthCare into the future.”