Pocono Health System and Lehigh Valley Health Network have met the regulatory requirements to merge.

Effective Sunday, PHS becomes part of Lehigh Valley Health Network and Pocono Medical Center will become Lehigh Valley Hospital — Pocono.As PHS transitions into LVHN, leadership changes also will take place. Jeff Snyder, PHS president and chief executive officer, informed the PHS board of his plan to resign from his role effective Saturday.Elizabeth Wise, PHS Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, will assume the role of acting president of Lehigh Valley Hospital — Pocono on Jan. 1.Snyder will continue to provide consultation during a 30-day merger transition period.“I have decided it is time to pursue my desire to lead in a different capacity,” Snyder said. “It’s been my honor and privilege to serve the Pocono community, and our residents and colleagues will be in good hands with Lehigh Valley Health Network and Elizabeth’s leadership.”PHS Board Chairman Andrew Worthington praised Snyder’s leadership, including his role in facilitating the merger and elevating the overall quality at PHS. Under Snyder’s leadership, the system has earned “A” grades for patient safety from Leapfrog, a 4-star rating from CMS and recognition from Healthgrades for Patient Safety Excellence and U.S. News & World Report for Best Regional Hospital.“During his three years as CEO, Jeff has worked tirelessly to fulfill the needs of the Pocono community,” Worthington said.“He brought to Monroe County much-needed specialty services such as neurology, endocrinology, rheumatology and pain management. He enhanced the health system’s cardiac surgery program and brought unprecedented organizational growth by expanding access to care through growing the physician network and ambulatory care development. Our merger will continue on the path of growth and bringing more services to our community.”“Jeff has created a solid foundation for LVHN to build upon to benefit the Poconos,” said LVHN President and CEO Brian Nester. “Because of Jeff’s leadership, the Pocono community now has access to quality care and more options for primary and specialty care throughout the region. We thank Jeff for his service and partnership.”Elizabeth Wise, COO and CNO at PHS for the last two years, brings rich experience in hospital operations, service line development and nursing management. “Elizabeth advocates for putting the patient first, and that aligns with our values at LVHN,” said LVHN’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Terry Capuano.During the past 20 years, Wise has held leadership positions at health care systems throughout the country. wise has served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, and chief nurse officer and senior vice president at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.