BIDDEFORD  — A career in health care came naturally to Ed McGeachey.

The 70-year-old president and CEO of Southern Maine Health Care will be retiring later this month after 41 years of service to the health care system. He will be succeeded by Nathan Howell, who will assume his new duties on May 21.

McGeachey’s career mirrors the career of his father, who worked at Maine Medical Center in Portland for more than 30 years. 

“My dad and I were pretty much clones,” he said during an interview at his office, which is furnished with a desk he inherited from his father. 

McGeachey said he and his father both received undergraduate degrees from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Masters of Social Work degrees from Boston University. 

McGeachey said both began their careers after college at Sweetser. The senior McGeachey began his career at Maine Medical Center as director of Social Services, while his son began his career at what is now Southern Maine Health Care as director of Social Work at the former Webber Hospital. Both men had buildings named after them at their respective places of employment. 

McGeachey also had three nurses in his family — his mother, wife and one daughter. He also has a daughter who is a speech therapist and his son sells cardiovascular implants. 

“It’s a family business,” he said. 

Like his father, McGeachey said, he comes to work everyday and greets everyone with a smile and keeps a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the hospital.

Over the years, McGeachey has seen a lot of growth and change at the health care provider, and noted that Southern Maine Health Care is the largest employer in York County. It is also the second largest member of Maine Health, which is the largest health care system in the state. 
 
“I start out every day reminding myself that we save lives and keep people healthy, that’s our mission,” said McGeachey. He said Southern Maine Health Care provides “top notch” care and has been blessed with talented and dedicated employees. 

Southern Maine Health Care recently received an A rating from the Washington, D.C. based Leapfrog Group for its efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States.

“I think we’ve had a great impact on the community over the years,” he said. “We’re very proud of the care that we provide.”

McGeachey and his best friend, wife Shirley, will be enjoying their retirement by doing some traveling. McGeachey said he also plans to do some volunteer work and may do some projects for Maine Health.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.