Salisbury, MD – The Coastal Hospice Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dan Ayres to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Hospice, effective April 2025. We are excited to welcome Dan to the Coastal Hospice family, including our dedicated staff, volunteers, leadership, and medical professionals. With his leadership, we are confident that Coastal Hospice will continue to strengthen its commitment to providing every patient and family facing serious illness with the support, comfort, and care they need at the right time throughout their journey while serving the vibrant communities of the Lower Eastern Shore with compassion and excellence.
“Ayres is a respected hospice leader, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Coastal Hospice team,” said Coastal Hospice Board Chair Morgan Fisher. “His strategic vision, proven record of operational excellence, and sheer passion for this work make him the perfect fit to guide Coastal Hospice effectively.”
The Board also extends its deepest gratitude to Ann Lovely, RN, BSN, CHPN, for her outstanding leadership and dedication as Interim President and CEO during this critical period. Her contributions have been invaluable in ensuring the continued success of our mission to serve the thriving communities of the Lower Eastern Shore with compassion and excellence.
Ayres brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, hospice care, and non-profit management to the organization. Most recently, having served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Helios Care in Oneonta, New York, since November 2016.
Dan has held multiple leadership roles in prominent healthcare institutions, showcasing his expertise in hospital operations, and strategic planning, including serving as CEO of Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville, West Virginia. He also led Tri-Town Regional Hospital and O’Connor Hospital simultaneously, both part of Bassett Medical Center, the largest healthcare provider in central New York State. Additionally, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Copley Health Systems Inc. in Morrisville, Vermont.
With a deep background in healthcare facility management, Dan was Vice President of Intellex Facilities Management, providing Joint Commission and facility support to rural hospitals nationwide. He was also the first Vice President of Facilities and Support Services at The University of Vermont Medical Center—formerly Fletcher Allen Healthcare—where he successfully managed the merger of three institutions and campuses. Before that, he served as Director of Facilities at Fanny Allen Hospital in Colchester, Vermont, later becoming Vice President of Support and Ancillary Services. In this role, he acted as the primary liaison between the Catholic-sponsored Fanny Allen Hospital and the Bishop of the Vermont Diocese.
In addition to his extensive healthcare leadership, Ayres has a distinguished military background, serving a total of 24 years in the U.S. Navy, including nine years of active duty on surface ships. His service included the pre-commissioning of the USS Simpson and leadership as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Center in Burlington, VT. He retired as a Commander in 2004 after five years on the staff of Commander Second Fleet.
Dan shares, “I’m thrilled to join the Coastal Hospice team. Part of my checkered past includes a degree in Journalism and working for two different daily newspapers, as well has a lot of hospital and healthcare network experience. I often refer to myself as a ‘recovering hospital CEO.’ My journey into hospice care is deeply personal, as I was profoundly impacted by the compassionate care my sister and brother-in-law received while on hospice services. Having lived in far northern Baltimore County, I have a deep appreciation for Maryland and am excited to serve this community.”
A native of Weirton, WV, Dan holds a degree in Journalism with minors in Political Science and English from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and a Master’s in the Science of Administration from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT. He is married to Mary Sheila Lenk Ayres, originally from Manassas, VA, a retired Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, proud UVA graduate, master gardener, and lover of the arts. Together, they care for four dogs, including two who are adopted.
“As we celebrate 45 years of serving our Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties, we are excited to welcome Dan to our leadership team”, said Ann Lovely, Interim President and CEO of Coastal Hospice. “His experience and vision will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting dignity and quality of life for patients and families facing life-limiting conditions.”
Photo: Dan Ayres, New Coastal Hospice President & CEO
To learn more about Coastal Hospice, please visit www.coastalhospice.org.
