Briton named president of MedStar Montgomery

by Judith Hruz

Editor

Emily Briton, the new president of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and senior vice president of MedStar Health, says she is well aware of the role the hospital plays in the community.

“I really do understand the connection” the hospital has with its neighbors, she said, not just in responding to health care needs, but in providing preventive care, partnerships and “giving back to the community.”

MedStar Montgomery, then known as Montgomery General, is part of her family’s medical history, as her grandfather was treated there for a heart attack many years ago. She has also lived nearby and in Olney.

Briton, who assumed her new duties on July 1, previously held several leadership roles within the MedStar Health system, most recently serving as chief operating officer and senior vice president at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington D.C.

She follows Thomas J. “T.J.” Senker, who was named president of MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, also effective July 1.

“I want to thank T.J. for his leadership, and I am eager to continue this great hospital’s long-standing mission,” said Briton.

Senker applauded Briton, as well.

“I am thrilled for Emily to step into the role as president of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center,” he said. “Emily is an immensely talented leader and I have great confidence that she will continue to move the organization forward for the benefit of our community.”

At MedStar Montgomery, Senker oversaw groundbreaking openings and service enhancements, including the Center for Successful Aging and Women’s Health and Outpatient Radiology at Olney, in 2019 and 2021, respectively.

Additionally, he oversaw great philanthropic progress through community partnerships, including a $2 million gift from the Women’s Board at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, a $1.8 million estate donation from Robert “Bobby” E. Lee Smith Jr., and a $250,000 gift from Sandy Spring Bank.

Briton said Senker “has done a phenomenal job” and called him a friend and colleague. She said Senker, who became president in 2016, and Peter Monge, who served as president for 25 years before that, laid a “very strong foundation.”

Briton hopes to follow in their efforts to provide the health services the community needs.

“What you will see with me is that commitment,” she said, adding there should be no reason for anyone to leave the MedStar Montgomery community to seek health care elsewhere.

Briton also embraces the Women’s Board that has supported the hospital in numerous ways for over 100 years.

“It is such a unique gem,” she said.

She called members a phenomenal group of community leaders that give their time to raise money to provide resources.

“They are much a fabric of the hospital” as the health care, Briton said.

Briton enters the role as a seasoned leader. In the Greater Washington community, her honors include the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Capital Chai Award, membership in Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2023 and America’s Essential Hospitals 2023 Women’s Leadership Academy.

Outside of her professional role, Briton guest lectures at the George Washington University Milton School of Public Health. She holds a Master of Health Administration from George Washington University and Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from The University of Texas. In addition, she serves as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“It is a tremendous honor to be joining MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in this exciting role,” said Briton. “We have important work ahead of us, bringing high-quality personalized care to our community and continuing our mission to be the trusted leader in caring for people and advancing health.”