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Houlton, ME – May 29, 2025- Two of Aroostook County’s key hospitals, Houlton Regional
Hospital (HRH) and Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) have signed a Management
Service Agreement (MSA). Under the MSA, NMMC will provide executive management to
HRH under a one-year management services agreement, focused on collaboration leading to a
formal affiliation. This agreement is intended to increase patient access, enhance quality
outcomes and improve the long-term financial stability of HRH and NMMC.
Effective immediately, Jeff Zewe, President and Chief Executive Officer of NMMC and Aaron
Teachout, Chief Financial Officer, will serve in those same roles at HRH. Both hospitals will
continue to operate as independent entities under the direction of their respective Boards of
Trustees. Combined, the two hospitals serve almost half of Aroostook County’s 70,000 people.
Each hospital has 25 acute care beds and both are a Critical Access Hospital (CAH).
“In this critical time for rural hospitals, this a great opportunity to align services for the future of
both hospitals and the care they provide to their communities,” Zewe said. “The outlook for
rural hospitals as stand-alone facilities is precarious. We have seen rural hospital closures rise
across the nation, even here at home with the closure of Inland Hospital at the end of May. Rural
hospitals need to pull together to remain viable through growth, sharing services, recruitment and
financial stability.”
Lynette McLaughlin, President of the HRH Board of Trustees says “This agreement will make
us stronger together. The synergies through this management agreement are truly exciting.”
Erin Soucy, Chair of the NMMC Board of Trustees said, “We are extremely proud of the
accomplishments of our team at NMMC. We are pleased to have the opportunity to find ways to
collaborate with HRH to secure the future of both hospitals.”
Zewe believes the potential for growth is exciting, stating “Through our joint efforts, we can
enhance physician recruitment, improve access and quality for both hospitals. Sharing expertise
and services can only mean good things for our communities.”
“We understand the reality of rural hospitals and maintaining the status quo is not sustainable in
the long-term. The time to be proactive is now,” Zewe said. “If we stand alone, chances of
survival are limited. Coming together and leveraging opportunities will help us better navigate
through these very challenging times in healthcare.”