What People Say About Keith Hovan

“During one of the darkest moments of my life, Keith Hovan stood beside me and did everything in his power to help me and my family. And I will be eternally grateful for that.

My son, Jack, had a serious medical condition several years ago and spent more than a month in a coma at Boston Children’s Hospital. During this time, Keith was invaluable in making calls to ensure that he was getting the very best care possible.

After we returned home, my son’s shunt failed and he needed to be med flighted from St. Luke’s to Boston. As we prepared to load him on the helicopter, I panicked because I also had my son, Seamus, with me. Keith took me by my hand and said, “Jill, I have Seamus. You have Jack.” A simple act, but one that I’ll never forget. I jumped on the flight with Jack and I never looked back because I knew Keith was going to take good care of Seamus.

I have witnessed Keith speak publicly about his experience with Jack on a couple of occasions. And during these remarks, Keith came to tears. I will always believe that my story was tough for Keith to talk about because his daughter was close to Jack’s age. He had true empathy for what I had experienced as a parent. And I believe that the experience has forever linked us.” — Jill Fearons, Mother, Community Member, President; Founder, Friends of Jack Foundation

“For 14 years, I have worked with Keith Hovan as a strategic advisor supporting him to lead his organization in considering and implementing significant decisions for Southcoast Health. Keith is a thoughtful, forward-thinking leader in a complex, difficult and highly competitive marketplace. Keith's leadership helped direct Southcoast to be a leading health care provider in Massachusetts and the leading health care system in the Southcoast region. He has a skill set that allows translating ideas into action. Keith's talents and commitments extend beyond Southcoast Health as he contributed and influenced significant health policy for the hospital industry as a whole." — Ellen Lutch Bender, President and CEO, Bender Strategies, LLC

"I have known Keith Hovan since my time in state government when I chaired the House Committee on Healthcare finance. Keith provided outstanding mentorship, guidance and counsel while serving as Chair of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Council of Community Hospitals while I was the President and CEO of each. Together we promoted significant transformational impact within the Commonwealth, particularly for community health systems. His leadership defines what it means to be of the community and for the community." — Steve Walsh, President & CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association

“I have been associated with Mr. Keith Hovan for many years at Southcoast Health.  He is, in my opinion, the key reason that the hospitals, all three, have been able to expand and meet the demands related to the current technology influx in the medical field.  He is truly an innovator and the type of executive I would want in any organization that I am affiliated with.  The advanced cardiac services he and his team have made available at the Charlton Hospital in Fall River are extraordinary and truly state-of-the-art. They are truly equal to the technology available at all of the key research hospitals in Boston.  This has all been accomplished through his efforts and guidance.  Keith is a true professional in the medical field.” -- James G. Demello, Retired President and CEO of the Acushnet Rubber Co., Inc.  

“I have known Keith as a friend for 20+ years.   I have always admired Keith for his “self-made” success. In a “who you know” world, Keith’s achievements were made by “who he is.”  His insight, intelligence, great energy, compassion & empathy has made him an overwhelming success both professionally & personally. 

However, his greatest asset is that he’ll never let you down! In the 20+ years I have known Keith, I’ve had the pleasure of watching him be a tremendous, supportive father to his children. And a caring husband to his wife, Erin. Even better, I have had the great fortune of having Keith as a friend. He’s always there when you need him, regardless of circumstance.” — Dan Josephson, Josephson Associates, LLC

“As a member of the community, I have been able to see how Keith's leadership has pushed the growth of a key organization far beyond what most could have ever hoped for. I have also observed how truly valuable he is, most recently how important he has been during these challenging times while leading through a global pandemic. With his decision-making and focus on patient care and safety, he gets everyone to rally behind him to achieve an organization’s goals.” — Doug Glassman, Owner, Servpro of Dartmouth / New Bedford, Fall River, Marion/Middleboro

“Keith does not make promises that he hopes to bring about, but commitments that he works hard to make happen. He has proven over and over that he is a man of character and integrity.” — Matt Glynn, Founder, Glynn Electric