At a ceremony held on December 16 at Mitten Hall, Temple Health and Temple University leaders, along with elected officials, friends, and family members, honored Michael A. Young as he prepares to retire from his role as President & CEO of Temple Health on January 2, 2026.
John Fry, President of Temple University, said: “Since arriving here in 2018, Mike has spearheaded an incredible transformation for Temple Health. It’s not hyperbole when I say that Temple Health is the strongest it has ever been—and its future has never been brighter.”
Abhi Rastogi, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Temple Health—who will assume leadership after Young’s retirement—noted: “Temple Health is different because of Mike. And it’s going to stay different because of what we learned from him. We’re going to keep putting patients and quality first. We’re going to keep making smart moves: staying financially disciplined, investing in our people, and expanding our reach without compromising on care delivery.”
During the event, Young received an honorary doctorate from Barnett College of Public Health at Temple University. Lon Greenberg—a member of the university’s Board of Trustees and longtime Chair of the Temple Health Board—presented the hooding.
Amy J. Goldberg, Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, spoke about Young’s career prior to joining Temple: “I remember interviewing Mike and being in awe of his accomplishments.” She highlighted milestones such as his early rise at Shadyside Hospital; becoming CEO at Lancaster General where he oversaw construction for women’s and babies’ services; leading Erie County Medical Center to its first positive financial results; saving Grady Memorial Hospital in Georgia; and orchestrating expansion strategies at Pinnacle.
Goldberg added: “Long before I knew who Mike was, I knew of him—as the man who saved Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s only Level I Trauma Center. When I heard that man was coming to Temple, I was grateful beyond words, because I knew exactly what that meant.”
Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione presented Young with a proclamation recognizing his achievements.
Greenberg outlined improvements under Young’s tenure: “During his tenure at Temple, the health system’s revenue nearly doubled, profitability significantly improved, and the organization grew organically and by acquisition. Most importantly, that growth didn’t come at the expense of our mission, our high-quality medical care or our dedication to patient safety. We’re indebted to him for showing us that hard work accountability and commitment to excellence and success is not inconsistent with integrity mission and good will.”
Rastogi noted further developments: “Under Mike’s leadership Fox Chase Cancer Center has tripled its size doubled its number of access locations and achieved its highest-ever NCI Core Grant score…We’ve brought Chestnut Hill Hospital back to life and expanded into new markets. During COVID Temple had some of the nation’s best patient outcomes. And—in what might be Mike’s most personal achievement—we’ve opened Philadelphia’s only dedicated maternity hospital Temple Women & Families.” The Labor & Delivery floor there will now be named for Karen and Michael A. Young.
Fry also presented an owl statuette as part of a new tradition honoring departing leaders.
Speakers emphasized Young’s focus on mentorship alongside operational success. Goldberg said: “Mike didn’t just invest in Temple He invested in people…Mike your leadership strengthened us financially operationally strategically But more importantly you never lost sight of the community we serve…”
John Ryan Chief Administrative Officer stated: “Mike was always worrying about caring for others never himself…That translated to always putting Temple first…that’s why he has been such a success…”
Young reflected on this legacy saying: “But the impact that means most—and one I’m proudest—is leadership team that’s in place leaders we’ve sent off across country.”
Ryan concluded by thanking Young for his service: “Mike you have had a profound effect on lives everyone in this room tonight On lives thousands caregivers staff across dozen hospitals…and hundreds thousands patients…Temple Health transformed forever under your leadership your legacy will live on…”
Young told attendees: “We’ve shown there’s better way manage this business treat patients care for communities There’s bright future ahead—one where these past seven years were just start…”
