Norvell V. Coots, M.D., MSS, FAAD

Norvell V. Coots, MD, MSS, FAAD, is a distinguished healthcare executive, holding the dual roles of President and CEO at Holy Cross Health and the Maryland Region of Trinity Health. In this capacity, he oversees the operations of two hospitals, eight (8) clinics, and a cutting-edge Comprehensive Cancer Center, strategically situated in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Beyond these responsibilities, Dr. Coots holds pivotal leadership positions. He serves as Chairman of the Board for Maryland Physicians Care and concurrently presides over the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center Hospital. Additionally, he serves as a member of both the Board for the Maryland Hospital Association, and the Board of the American Hospital Association. Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, he contributed significantly as an integral member of the Governor of Maryland’s Covid19 Task Force.
Prior to his impactful healthcare leadership roles, Dr. Coots retired as a Brigadier General from the United States Army in 2016. His military tenure included serving as the Commanding General of Regional Health Command Europe and Command Surgeon for the US Army Europe and 7th Army. He held esteemed positions such as Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Medical Command and Assistant Surgeon General for the US Forces in Afghanistan. Particularly notable was his role as the final Commander of the historic Walter Reed Healthcare System and Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2008 to 2011.
Dr. Coots’ impressive professional background as a Dermatologist is enhanced by a master's degree in Strategy from the Army War College and a Certificate in Advanced Healthcare Management – and he received his medical training from Howard University and University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. His recognition spans various domains, including being listed in Who’s Who Top Military Service Professionals. His extensive accolades encompass both civilian and military awards, notably the Scroll of Merit of the National Medical Association and the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal. His honors extend to being a Knight of the Legion of Honor of France and receiving the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton award for Leadership and Faith.
Additionally, Dr. Coots is an esteemed member of the Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternities, organizations renowned for their commitment to service and leadership. Furthermore, Dr. Coots is a valued member of the American Academy of Dermatology’s Leadership Circle, underscoring his commitment to advancing patient care, education, and advocacy within dermatology. This affiliation highlights his dedication to excellence, learning, and collaboration, solidifying his position as a luminary in healthcare leadership and dermatology.
In recognition of his exceptional achievements, he was named among Becker's Hospital Review's "105 Physician Leaders to Know" in 2019 and “145 Physician Leaders to Know” in 2023, sponsored by the esteemed American Medical Association.
Dr. Coots is married to Claudia Gomez, and together they nurture their family, including two teenagers, Maximilian and Catalina. The family dynamic extends to include two dogs, Duke and Snowflake, and a horse named Vinny.