Christopher Dunleavy Appointed New CFO at Hospital for Special Surgery

Leadership Transition at HSS: A New Chapter Begins

On December 2, 2024, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), recognized as a global leader in orthopedics and rheumatology, announced the appointment of Christopher Dunleavy as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This transition is set to take place on January 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the institution. Dunleavy succeeds long-serving CFO Stacey Malakoff, who has been with the hospital for nearly 40 years and has played an instrumental role in shaping its financial landscape. Following her retirement announcement planned for 2025, Malakoff will remain as a Senior Advisor to ensure a seamless transition until the end of that year.

Dunleavy comes to HSS with an extensive background in healthcare finance, having previously held CFO roles at prominent organizations such as Brigham Health in Boston, Baylor Health in Dallas, and USMD Holdings, Inc. His experience spans various aspects of financial management in large healthcare systems, making him well-equipped to tackle the financial challenges and opportunities facing HSS. A Texas native, he holds an Executive MBA from Baylor University and has served as a lecturer on Healthcare Economics at Harvard since 2016.

The appointment follows a thorough search conducted by the executive search firm Spencer Stuart, initiated in June 2024. HSS President and CEO Bryan Kelly, MD, MBA, highlighted that Dunleavy was the consensus choice of the search committee, which comprised 28 distinguished members, including physicians, executives, and Board members. Kelly noted that Dunleavy’s expertise will be pivotal in steering HSS through an evolving healthcare landscape, particularly in musculoskeletal care.

“Chris was the consensus recommendation of the search committee following a process that identified five exceptional and diverse finalists,” Kelly remarked. “He is the right person to guide the Finance function and enable HSS to lead the changing future of musculoskeletal care.”

Dunleavy expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I cannot imagine a greater opportunity for me to impact on the field of medicine. With world-renowned quality and a strong balance sheet, the Finance function can and will enable HSS to rise to new opportunities in the changing healthcare landscape.”

The transition not only marks a change in leadership but also emphasizes HSS's commitment to fostering shared leadership among its medical and executive teams. Dr. Douglas E. Padgett, HSS’s Surgeon-in-Chief and Medical Director, praised the collaborative nature of the search process, reinforcing the idea that joint decision-making leads to stronger outcomes.

HSS stands as a testament to excellence in musculoskeletal health. According to U.S. News & World Report (2024-2025), it holds the top position in orthopedics for the 15th consecutive year and ranks third in rheumatology. Internationally recognized as the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ, and CT, HSS also topped a global survey by Newsweek, being named the number one in orthopedics for five consecutive years (2025).

Founded in 1863, HSS has consistently demonstrated the lowest readmission rates for orthopedic surgeries and low infection rates, earning it Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center on five occasions. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, the hospital features state-of-the-art facilities in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida, focusing not only on patient care but also on education and research.

With Dunleavy at the financial helm, HSS aims to continue its trajectory of innovation and excellence. His leadership is anticipated to be a springboard for the existing finance leadership team as they navigate new opportunities ahead. Dunleavy’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders signifies a promising future for HSS.

In conclusion, Christopher Dunleavy’s appointment as CFO of Hospital for Special Surgery marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, promising growth, innovation, and continued excellence in providing exceptional healthcare services. As the institution embraces the evolving landscape of healthcare, its leadership team remains focused on enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field of musculoskeletal health.