Lomeo named 2015 Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year

By Jacqueline Molik Ghosen

BUFFALO, N.Y. —  Jody L. Lomeo, president and CEO of both Kaleida Health and the Great Lakes Health System of Western New York, has been named the 2015 Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year by the University at Buffalo School of Management.

The award will be presented at the 66th Annual School of Management Alumni Association Awards Banquet beginning at 5 p.m. on Nov. 12, at the Statler Hotel, 107 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.

Lomeo was selected by a vote of past honorees and the board of directors of the alumni association, who cited his strategic vision, collaborative leadership and commitment to Western New York.

In his role at Kaleida Health, Lomeo has re-energized the $1.2 billion organization, which is one of the region’s largest employers and the largest provider of health care services, through his style of collaboration and inclusive leadership.

His focus on engaging physicians, nurses and staff fosters new ways to deliver more efficient, high-quality patient care. He is credited with launching a primary care strategy with Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and HealthNow, and strengthening partnerships with UBMD, the Buffalo Medical Group and numerous other community physicians and physician groups, as well as organized labor.

Under Lomeo’s leadership, Kaleida Health has increased its quality outcomes as well as patient satisfaction scores. In addition, its hospitals and affiliates have increased market share. Other highlights include the acquisition of Western New York Urology Associates, Cancer Care of Western New York, and a cutting edge partnership with MASH Care Network.

Lomeo previously served as CEO of ECMC from January 2009 through April 2014. Prior to that, he was a member of the Erie County Medical Center Corp. board of directors for more than eight years.

He has been a principal driver of collaboration between ECMC, Kaleida Health and the University at Buffalo as he previously served as vice chair of Great Lakes Health, the entity through which that collaboration is planned and implemented.

Lomeo’s passion for Western New York, his leadership in the community and his dedication to serve has led to numerous recognitions and awards, including Upstate New York Transplant Services, Trocaire College, Business First, The Buffalo News, Leadership Buffalo and the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation.

Lomeo has provided support and guidance to a number of community organizations as a volunteer board member, including the Greater New York Hospital Association, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, D’Youville College and the Healthcare Association of New York State.

Established in 1949, the Buffalo Niagara Executive of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who resides in or has a major impact on the region, and whose career has been distinguished by executive success and civic leadership. Recent honorees include William Gisel, president and CEO of Rich Products Corp., and Christopher H. Koch, CEO of New Era Cap Co.

For information about the awards banquet, contact the School of Management’s Office of Alumni Engagement and External Relations at mgt-alumni@buffalo.edu or 716-645-3224.