Weill Cornell Medicine has recently promoted longtime institutional leaders Thomas W. Stokes, Michael T. Murphy and Eric M. Saidel to elevated administrative posts.
Stokes Leads Financial Operations
Thomas W. Stokes
A distinguished financial manager, Stokes has been appointed Cornell University vice president for finance and chief financial officer of Weill Cornell Medicine after serving in those roles in an interim capacity since October 2023. Stokes oversees all Weill Cornell Medicine financial operations and reporting, and directs the internal administrative offices responsible for these functions.
Stokes serves as an integral and influential participant in institutional strategic planning, and he and his teams maintain close working relationships with the Cornell University finance team to ensure campus alignment around positions, responsibilities and communications. He has lead responsibilities for reporting to the Business and Finance Committee of the Weill Cornell Board of Fellows, along with lead responsibility for reporting on Weill Cornell business to the Cornell University Trustees Finance Committee and the Trustees Audit Committee. Stokes reports to both Weill Cornell Medicine Dean Robert A. Harrington and Chris Cowen, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Cornell University.
“Tom is an exceptional financial steward whose commitment to and vision for Weill Cornell Medicine is unmatched,” Dr. Harrington said. “His counsel on how to optimally position Weill Cornell Medicine in a competitive health care city and maximize opportunities to grow across all our missions has been invaluable, and I am greatly looking forward to his continued leadership.”
Stokes is also charged with ensuring alignment with NewYork-Presbyterian, continuing his service on the boards of Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian (WCINYP), a joint imaging venture between Weill Cornell and NewYork-Presbyterian, as well as NewYork-Quality Care, the accountable care organization of NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medicine. He maintains strong relationships with our other key partners and affiliates.
Stokes was most recently chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the Weill Cornell Physician Organization, where he played a pivotal role in monitoring and managing clinical revenues and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He joined Weill Cornell Medicine in 2010 as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of WCINYP.
Expanded Role in Campus Management for Murphy
Michael T. Murphy
Murphy, whose extensive expertise in facilities and operational management has ensured excellence in Weill Cornell Medicine’s physical plant for 26 years, has been promoted to assistant vice provost for facilities and campus services. He previously served as senior director of facilities management & campus operations.
In his new role, Murphy will continue to manage more than 35 Weill Cornell Medicine locations, totaling over 2.6 million square feet, while now also oversee the Housing department, which provides exceptional quality and service to students living in the institution’s residential spaces. With the goal of fostering a high-quality work environment for faculty, staff and students, Murphy chairs the institution’s Campus Safety and Security Committee and serves as the senior administrative leader for Weill Cornell’s dining and event facility, Griffis Faculty Club.
He will continue to report to Cathy Garzio, executive vice provost and chief operating office of Weill Cornell Medicine, and will partner with Office of Capital Planning leadership on managing campus housing.
“Mike's promotion reflects both his significant contributions to Weill Cornell Medicine and our commitment to thoughtful organizational planning,” Garzio said. “His extensive experience in engineering design and project management will help us maintain high standards of regulatory compliance, security and sustainability across our entire community. This career milestone is most deserved, and I am certain his leadership will propel our institution to new heights.”
Saidel Helms Human Resources
Eric M. Saidel
A leader in human resource management, Saidel has been named assistant vice provost for human resources after serving as interim senior director of human resources for the past two years. Saidel leads a full-scale team dedicated to managing Weill Cornell Medicine’s employees, including recruitment, benefits administration, institutional equity and operations. A critical partner in both day-to-day operations and strategic planning, Saidel will drive initiatives that support the institution’s commitment to excellence in all areas of its mission.
Saidel reports to Garzio with a dotted line relationship to Christine D. Lovely, vice president and chief human resources officer of Cornell University, to foster closer collaboration with colleagues at the Ithaca campus.
A Cornell University alumnus and attorney, Saidel joined Weill Cornell Medicine in 2021.
“With his unique blend of HR leadership, legal expertise and health care experience, Eric’s skills will be instrumental in driving initiatives that support our commitment to excellence in all areas of our mission,” Garzio said. “I'm confident that under his leadership, our HR department will continue to innovate and provide the crucial support necessary for Weill Cornell Medicine’s continued growth and success.”