CareFirstNY has announced the appointment of Phoebe Reynolds as its permanent Chief Executive Officer. Reynolds has served as Interim CEO since February 2025, following the unexpected passing of the organization’s former CEO, Tali Sutton.
Reynolds brings healthcare and financial leadership experience to the role, alongside a commitment to CareFirstNY’s mission of providing compassionate hospice care to the Southern Tier community.
She joined CareFirstNY as Chief Financial Officer in October 2023. Originally from Rochester, Reynolds began her career at a community-based health clinic in downtown Rochester. From there, her work in the nonprofit world continued at the University of Rochester, where she spent 15 years leading finance functions for several clinical departments.
According to CareFirstNY, Reynolds was widely recognized for her ability to enhance accounting systems, guide the development and growth of physician practices, and mentor staff on the financial implications of operational decisions—skills that have proven invaluable throughout her leadership journey.
Among her achievements at CareFirstNY was leading a transformative financial revitalization in 2024, which sharpened the organization’s focus and significantly strengthened its financial health and long-term stability. In a news release, CareFirstNY stated this “strategic realignment, which laid the foundation for the organization’s current success, is a testament to Reynolds’ forward-thinking and mission-driven leadership.”
Reynolds currently serves on the Corning Community College Development Foundation Board and is a graduate of Monroe Community College in Rochester. She holds master’s degrees in education policy from the University of Rochester and public administration from Marist College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
“While this is a deeply bittersweet moment, I am humbled and honored to lead CareFirstNY into its next chapter,” said Reynolds. “Tali was a visionary leader and had a rare ability to connect with people instantly with intelligence and compassion. Her legacy will guide us as we continue to serve our community with integrity, compassion, and quality care.”
The CareFirstNY Board of Directors unanimously approved Reynolds’ appointment, citing her steady leadership, extensive nonprofit experience, and clear vision for the future as central to the decision.
“We are confident that Phoebe is the right person to guide CareFirstNY forward,” said Board Chair Michael Jagielski. “She brings both the strategic mindset and the stability that our community and staff need during this period of transition.”
