Hartford HealthCare has named Jeffrey A. Flaks its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1. Flaks succeeds Elliot Joseph, who has been Hartford HealthCare’s Chief Executive Officer since 2013. Joseph made the decision to retire after leading the organization for more than 10 years.

Elliot Joseph

“For several years, the Hartford HealthCare Board has been planning and preparing for an eventual executive succession. Our goal has been to ensure that Hartford HealthCare’s leadership, culture and commitment would continue to fulfill its mission to improve the health and healing of the people and the communities we serve,” said David P. Hess, Hartford HealthCare Board Chair.

In recognizing Joseph’s many contributions, Board Chair Hess said: “Under Elliot’s leadership, and during a time of immense change in healthcare, Hartford HealthCare has evolved into a truly integrated system of care, providing more needed health services to more people, in more convenient locations. He has led Hartford HealthCare’s evolution from a single hospital into the state’s most comprehensive healthcare system — one that now serves nearly 15,000 people across the state each and every day.”

Hess called Flaks “a well-recognized leader and deeply respected colleague.”

“In ways large and small, Jeff Flaks has proven himself ready for this expanded and demanding role,” he said. “As President and CEO, he will be called to build on the firm foundation that he and the entire leadership team have created.”

This month, Flaks celebrated 15 years of service with Hartford HealthCare. In 2004, Flaks joined MidState Medical Center as Chief Operating Officer. He then transitioned to Hartford Hospital as Chief Operating Officer in 2007 before becoming Hartford Hospital’s 21st President and CEO in 2011.