New Northern Light Health CEO takes office, talks future plans

BREWER, Maine — It’s the fourth day on the job for new president and CEO of Northern Light Health Dr. Guy Hudson.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity. It’s a privilege to be here,” Hudson said.

Hudson is stepping into the role as president and CEO of Northern Light Health during a time when health care access is dwindling across the state.  

“There’s certainly challenges that we’re facing,” Hudson said. 

Just over two weeks ago, Hudson was in the operating room as a pediatric urologic surgeon. He was previously the CEO of Swedish Health System in Washington state. 

Now he’s getting ready to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Northern Light Health.

“We’re well on our way to achieving our goals and objectives, it just takes time. It’s a big ship to turn,” Hudson said. 

In 2024, the health care system lost $156 million, causing leaders to scale back services and reduce its workforce by three percent. 

“The most important thing is most of those people we bring with us along the way, but sometimes we need to make adjustments or retrain people,” Hudson said. 

Earlier this year, Northern Light consolidated several outpatient services and closed its Inland hospital in Waterville.  

“Making sure that if we do move or close a service that those patients have access as close to home as possible in an environment that is safe possible for them to achieve health care for them and for their families,” Hudson said. 

The organization remains in ongoing contract negotiations with Anthem insurance. In a joint statement released at the beginning of this month, leaders announced that primary care patients with insurance through Anthem will continue to have in-network coverage through the end of October. 

“I am very positive that we will get to an agreement and resolution of our current situation,” Hudson said. 

Organizations like the Maine Hospital Association are worried about what health care will look like over the next decade. 

“It’s about providing access throughout the state of Maine to core services, and so we are in a mad scramble to figure out how to do that,” Steven Michaud, the president of Maine Hospital Association, said. 

Hudson said his priority is going out and learning what the needs are in the community. 

“We have a great group of people that are getting us through the challenges we face and we will be here for generations to come,” Steven Michaud, the president of the Maine Hospital Association said.

Hudson takes over for Tim Dentry, who retired and served as president and CEO for close to six years.

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