14. Mohan Suntha

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President and CEO
University of Maryland Medical System

Mohan Suntha, M.D., is the president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, overseeing a network of 150 locations and 28,000 employees. Since his appointment in 2019, he has advanced UMMS’ mission to deliver exceptional care, train health professionals and support community wellness.

Prior to leading UMMS, Suntha served as president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center. During his tenure, he strengthened partnerships with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and elevated UMMC’s role as a referral center for critically ill patients. Earlier, as president and CEO of the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, he spearheaded a remarkable financial turnaround while fostering a culture of trust and high-quality care.

A tenured professor of radiation oncology, Suntha has spent his career at UMMS and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, earning recognition for expertise in managing head, neck and thoracic cancers.

What’s the most important thing you do?

As a physician, I have been blessed to see firsthand the dramatic impact of restoring individuals to their best health. In the role I am honored to serve in today, my responsibility is to ensure the health and well-being of every patient and the collective communities we serve.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

As leaders, we take on roles with the belief and expectation that we will make an impact, and that impact is often defined through challenges, setting strategy and engaging with our communities. We must be willing to participate in purposeful, and at times difficult, conversations in order to drive progress. These conversations are based on mutual trust and a commitment to a shared vision.

What’s the most significant challenge facing our state?

Our most significant challenge is ensuring equitable economic growth across our communities. With world-class assets in health care and other industries, we have incredible opportunities within Maryland. I have seen firsthand the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have for Maryland residents. The business community must continue to lean into these partnerships to create a balanced economic landscape benefiting all Marylanders.

This profile is part of The Daily Record's Power 100 List for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. See the full list at thedailyrecord.com.