CharterCARE Appointed Richard Charest as New CEO
The Rhode Island hospital network announced Richard Charest will replace retiring CEO Jeffrey Liebman.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island has selected Richard Charest as its new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement follows outgoing CEO Jeffrey Liebman’s decision to retire after leading the hospital group since 2018.
Why it matters
The board appointed Charest to lead a comprehensive strategic turnaround plan as the hospital system navigates financial pressures. The network is currently managing cash flow challenges following its exit from federal bankruptcy earlier this year.
Richard Charest brings 26 years of executive healthcare experience to the role. The company currently faces short-term cash flow pressures resulting from post-sale expenses and lower than expected patient volume.
The players
Richard Charest
He is the former Rhode Island Secretary of Health and Human Services and currently owns 180 Degree Business Solution, LLC.
Jeffrey Liebman
He has served as the CEO of CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island since 2018 and is retiring on November 1, 2026.
Peter Neronha
He is the Attorney General of Rhode Island and is currently overseeing a financial review of the CharterCARE hospital group.
The details
The board chose Charest for his experience navigating hospital transitions, specifically his past leadership at Landmark Medical Center following its own bankruptcy. While the organization stabilizes, it is concurrently working toward a new labor agreement with the United Nurses and Allied Professionals.
Timeline
Jeffrey Liebman began leading CharterCARE in 2018.
Richard Charest became the Rhode Island Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2023.
CharterCARE concluded its federal bankruptcy proceedings in April 2026.
The leadership transition was announced on October 14, 2026.
Jeffrey Liebman is scheduled to retire on November 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition occurs as CharterCARE emerges from federal bankruptcy, placing it in a precarious position compared to established regional health competitors. The appointment follows a broader trend of private health groups consolidating leadership to address the post-bankruptcy financial recovery process.
The leadership change may affect ongoing service stability and the future of labor agreements at the hospital network. Patients should anticipate continued operational adjustments as the new management focuses on improving cash flow and patient volume.
The takeaway
The appointment of a former state health official signals a priority on regulatory compliance and financial restructuring for the hospital group. Community members should monitor upcoming labor contract updates as the organization moves past its recent bankruptcy period.
What happens next
Jeffrey Liebman is set to formally retire from his position as CEO on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For additional context on local leadership changes, visit the Rhode Island People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GoLocalProv.
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