2025 Wrapped: Welcoming New Executive Leadership
December 8, 2025
Following the retirement announcement of Lynn Ricci, Crista F. Durand, FACHE was named our new President and Chief Executive Officer. Crista came to HFSC most recently from Newport Hospital in Rhode Island, where she served as President and Chief Executive officer for the past ten years. Crista was chosen after an extensive national search and is a Connecticut native who spent her early professional years in leadership roles at Connecticut hospitals. Since joining HFSC, Crista has received a number of professional recognitions, including being named as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Hartford for 2025 by Women We Admire and listed among the 2025 Power 25 Heath Care leaders by the Hartford Business Journal.
Sharon Seabold, PMP, joined us as our new Vice President of Strategy, Planning and Business Development in June.
A seasoned healthcare leader with more than two decades of experience, Sharon brings deep expertise in business development, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution across hospital systems in New England. Sharon is leading the strategic planning and implementation for HFSC, as well as overseeing Marketing and Communications and HFSC’s Foundation.
In September, we welcomed Orla Brandos, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC, FACHE, FPCC as our new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Brandos brings more than 34 years of healthcare leadership experience spanning clinical operations, nursing excellence, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. In addition to her extensive executive experience, Dr. Brandos has held prominent professional leadership roles, including serving as President of the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New England and Immediate Past President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has been recognized nationally for her contributions to nursing leadership, workforce development, and patient safety.