Albert Zanger Named New UM Charles Regional Medical Center Leader

University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), has named Albert Zanger as the La Plata hospital’s new leader, with a promotion to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Zanger will succeed Noel Cervino, who has served as the hospital’s president and chief executive officer since 2009 and is retiring later this year.

Zanger has been a key leader at UM Charles Regional since 2019, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations. He has served in several leadership roles at both UM Charles Regional and UMMS; starting with the System in 2009 as a financial analyst and working his way to Director of Reimbursement before joining UM Charles Regional as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Zanger’s extensive experience and proven track record in financial and operational leadership make him the ideal successor to continue the community hospital’s legacy of excellence in Charles County.

“Albert has been instrumental in helping UM Charles Regional meet the health care needs of residents in Charles County and growing access to medical care during a very challenging period that has included the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS. “His leadership in advancing physician services, major facility projects, and sustained financial performance has been exemplary. Albert’s commitment to the development of long-term strategic plans has positioned UM Charles Regional for continued success.”

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to lead our community hospital,” said Zanger. “We have a dedicated team throughout our hospital and medical practices, and I look forward to working with them to expand services and build upon our legacy of providing outstanding care to our patients.”

Zanger will begin his new role on December 1, 2024.

One of Cervino’s most significant accomplishments was guiding the transition of UM Charles Regional’s predecessor hospital, Civista Health System, into UMMS in 2011. His retirement marks the culmination of a remarkable career dedicated to health care excellence and community service. Under his tenure, UM Charles Regional has seen significant advancements in patient care, community outreach, financial performance, and expanded access to care which includes an enlarged and modernized emergency department.

“Noel has fostered a culture of compassion, excellence and integrity,” said Dr. Suntha. “He has our deepest gratitude and we wish him a retirement filled with the same joy and fulfillment he has brought to UM Charles Regional and our UMMS family.”