Pictured: Dr. Martin Stallone (Left) and Rob Lawlis (Right)
Centralus Health (which includes members Arnot Health and Cayuga Health) has announced a planned leadership transition, with Dr. Martin Stallone leaving the organization at the end of his term. Mr. Robert Lawlis was unanimously selected by the Centralus Health Board of Directors to succeed Dr. Stallone in the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective November 7, 2025. This transition is part of a long-standing succession plan designed to ensure stability, continuity, and continued growth.
Introducing Mr. Lawlis
Robert “Rob” Lawlis has been with Cayuga Health for 17 years. Lawlis currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Cayuga Health Partners (CHP) and concurrently as the CEO of Xtensys (both Centralus Health-related organizations). Lawlis has been instrumental in a variety of critical divisions of and initiatives for Cayuga Health.
Lawlis has developed and led strategies to successfully address cost and ensure quality health care with payers, employers, health systems, physician practices and community organization partnerships through a lens of Health Equity during his time with CHP.
In addition, Lawlis conceived and brought to life the new venture of Xtensys, a health technology company that supports community based clinics, hospitals and physician practices. As the CEO of Xtensys, Lawlis led the successful Epic implementation across Centralus Health replacing dozens of separate systems with a single electronic health record (EHR) software to manage patient records, streamline workflows, and improve clinical decision-making.
“I am confident in Mr. Lawlis’ ability to lead Centralus Health into its next chapter,” said Tom LiVigne, co-chairman of the Board of Directors of Centralus Health. “His deep knowledge of our health system, and dedication to improving operations through the lens of high-quality, equitable care makes him the right leader for this moment.”
“Rob’s advanced training in systems engineering, and leadership performance makes him well skilled to lead Centralus Health through the current environmental challenges,” said Jan van den Blink, co-chairman of the Board of Directors of Centralus Health. “His appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to strong internal leadership development and a seamless transition.”
“As Rob Lawlis takes the helm of Centralus Health, I offer him my unequivocal support and best wishes for much continued success as he faces the responsibilities and challenges of this new role,” stated Jonathan Lawrence, CEO Arnot Health.
“I am very pleased that the Centralus Board has appointed Rob to serve as the next CEO of Centralus Health,” stated outgoing CEO, Dr. Marty Stallone. “I believe Rob will further advance Centralus Health as a best-in-class integrated delivery network. He is ideally prepared to continue efforts to integrate different parts of our health system, to advance the services we offer our communities, and to continue Centralus Health’s commitment to population health.”
Lawlis will be supported by the organization’s seasoned Executive Leadership Team, which collectively brings decades of experience in advancing the quality of care delivered in integrated rural health delivery systems.
“I’m honored to step into this role and build on the incredible work of Dr. Stallone and our team,” said Lawlis. “We will continue to optimize the advanced systems recently implemented to make better decisions to care for our community and control costs; realize and maximize efficiencies from affiliation of Arnot Health and Cayuga Health; and identify additional innovative solutions that keep the delivery of healthcare local.”
About Dr. Stallone
Dr. Martin “Marty” Stallone, who has been with Cayuga Health for 17 years and served as its CEO since 2018, was nationally recognized for his leadership of the organization’s innovative and community-focused response to the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Simultaneously, Dr. Stallone led the organization through an impressive number of transformational initiatives that, collectively, have advanced Centralus Health to nearly triple its size in seven years, positioning the health system to be a leading Integrated Delivery Network. Dr. Stallone will join Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and its parent company, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, on December 1, 2025 as Executive Vice President, Chief Healthcare Services Officer, continuing his commitment to advancing healthcare on a broader scale.
“The board of directors expresses its genuine and heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Marty Stallone’s leadership of Cayuga Health and Centralus Health. Marty’s tireless efforts and bold leadership created successful new relationships with key clinical and organizational partners, to improve the care available to everyone we serve. Marty has left an indelible mark on our community, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his long service,” said Tom LiVigne, co-chairman of the Board of Directors of Centralus Health.
“Marty is a visionary leader who not only has the ability to imagine the benefits of cooperative relationships, but also has the ability to lead teams in making them a reality. We deeply appreciate the contributions Marty has made to our communities, and we wish him success in his new role at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ,” stated Jan van den Blink, co-chairman of the Board of Directors of Centralus Health.
Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health said, “It has been a distinct privilege collaborating with Dr. Marty Stallone, our boards, and our executive teams to establish Centralus Health and introduce Epic to our community. On behalf of the entire Arnot Health family, I extend sincere appreciation for Marty’s collaborative, innovative, and tireless efforts in support of all the patients and the families our teams jointly serve across the Centralus region.”
“I would like to thank Dr. Stallone for his guidance and the opportunity to collaborate over the past 15 years,” said incoming CEO, Rob Lawlis. “I’m eager to carry on our important work in service of the communities we serve; to evaluate and meet their health care needs and provide ease of access to excellent care with the many talented, committed people within our organization.”
what our patients are saying
“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”
“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”
“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”
“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “
