New president takes helm of Northern Light Health

By Christopher Burns, Bangor Daily News Staff

Northern Light Health is now under new leadership.

Guy Hudson on Wednesday officially began his position as the Brewer-based health system’s president and CEO, replacing Tim Dentry who announced his retirement in the spring.

“When I looked at Northern Light Health, I immediately knew this was the right path. It has been rough after COVID, and a lot of health systems are having difficulties getting back up on their feet. I think Northern Light has a real opportunity to rise and keep moving forward,” Hudson said in a statement.

Northern Light Health has no shortage of challenges ahead.

Hudson’s arrival comes during a tumultuous period for Northern Light Health. The system is locked in stalled negotiations with health insurer Anthem, which — if unresolved — could affect 30,000 Mainers who may find Northern Light’s services outside of their network. Both sides agreed to extend the current contract through the end of the month to allow more time for negotiations.

Northern Light Health also is grappling with financial turmoil, a period that has seen it shed services, close its Waterville hospital and Bangor and Waterville walk-in clinics, and the departure of several other high-level leaders.

More cuts and service changes are coming to Northern Light Health in the coming months.

That financial turmoil gripping Northern Light may be compounded by federal Medicaid cuts and a state law expanding charity care.

Before Maine, Hudson served six years as CEO of Swedish Health Services in Washington state. He also served as chief executive of Providence’s North Division, which provides health services to the Puget Sound and Alaska.

He left those positions in 2023, returning to clinical practice in Boise, Idaho.