By Tim Mastro

DOVER — Dr. Megan McNamara Williams was announced as Delaware Healthcare Association’s interim CEO Tuesday, until such time as a permanent one is identified.

Dr. Williams is taking over for former president and CEO Wayne Smith, who stepped down from his role in December 2022 after more than 15 years of service.

“Megan has been an integral part of the great work being done at the Delaware Healthcare Association,” said Penny Short, board chair for the agency. “She is passionate about healthcare and will do a tremendous job leading the Association through the search for a permanent replacement.”

Dr. Williams has been serving as the group’s vice president for the past five years, providing management and coordination for clinical and policy work.

Much of her career has been spent in the field of population health, working at bedsides as a hospitalist and as a primary care provider. She has designed and led several multidisciplinary initiatives, focused on improving health care outcomes and reducing costs.

Dr. Williams holds a doctorate in nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, a Master of Science in nursing from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Delaware.

“DHA has been a leading and respected voice in healthcare in Delaware for many years and I am honored to serve our hospitals and healthcare systems in this transition role,” she said in a statement.

The association said its board of directors “is conducting a thorough and thoughtful search for a permanent CEO.”

It added that the CEO “plays a vital role in supporting and partnering with Delaware health systems, hospitals, and healthcare related organizations in addressing legislative issues and concerns impacting the healthcare delivery system across the state of Delaware.”