Two local executives with exceptional leadership experience and deep commitment to the Berks County community have joined the Reading Hospital Foundation Board of Directors (Foundation). Michael Stern, FACHE, president and CEO at Tower Health, and Natashia Szortyka, philanthropy coordinator at Quaker Maid Meats, will serve four-year terms on the Foundation Board. A non-profit organization, the Foundation supports Reading Hospital through contributions that make vital projects, programs, and services possible.
“The addition of Michael and Natashia will help continue to strengthen the Foundation and guide us into our next chapter,” said Katherine Thornton, Reading Hospital Foundation President. “Their respective expertise with innovation, healthcare, and development will be an asset to our team.”
Mr. Stern joined Tower Health in 2022 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) before transitioning to president and CEO in February 2025. He has more than two decades of senior healthcare executive experience and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He holds a Master of Health Administration, which he earned through a collaborative program at Clark University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Hofstra University.
Ms. Szortyka has a strong commitment to community service. For the past six years, she has volunteered at Mary’s Shelter, where she has played a pivotal role as Chair of the Development Committee and has also served as Board Chair for the past two years. She received her MBA from Alvernia University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.
About Reading Hospital Foundation
Reading Hospital Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the mission of Reading Hospital to benefit the health and well-being of our community. Contributions from grateful patients, individuals, families, employees, foundations and corporations enhance and expand vital projects, programs and services. For more information, please visit towerhealth.org/rhf.
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across service lines. It is listed as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.