Former hospital executive passes away

    GENEVA—James J. Dooley, past president and chief executive of Finger Lakes Health, passed away Sunday, March 4, after suffering a cardiac event while in Florida.
    “We have lost a great leader and friend in Jim. He spearheaded growth and change at the helm of Finger Lakes Health,” said Donald P. Wertman, Finger Lakes Health board chairperson.
    Dooley, 64, was hired as administrator at Geneva General Hospital in 1978 when there were approximately 400 employees. Geneva General Hospital’s evolution into a 696-bed multi-entity health system, Finger Lakes Health, through affiliating with Taylor-Brown Memorial Hospital and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital and incorporating several long-term care facilities is attributed to Dooley’s vision and leadership. His accomplishments included opening the Dundee, Seneca and Clyde Family Health Centers.
    Dooley has been recognized nationally and statewide for his healthcare advocacy and contributions to innovative healthcare delivery systems. His professional involvement included being a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, serving on the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, serving as a board member and chair of the Rochester Regional Healthcare Association and leader of RRHA’s Joint Ventures, board member of the Healthcare Association of New York state, founding member of VHA Empire/Metro Charter Board Member and Chair, and Chair of VHA Foundation.
    Dooley also served on the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce from 1994 to 2006 in various capacities including Government Relations Chair. He also served on the YMCA board, Jobs for Geneva, and Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes. He has been honored by Catholic Charities as the recipient of the “Sharing the Light” award in 2001, the Boys Scouts of America, Finger Lakes Council, as Distinguished Citizen in 2003, for and also was recognized as Monroe County Hockey League “Coach of the Year” in 1996 and 1999 when he served as Head Hockey Coach of Geneva/DeSales High Schools.