NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- It took months to get to this point, but the Mohawk Valley Health System has officially introduced their new President and CEO.

Darlene Stromstad will take over the role on January 1. Current President and CEO Scott Perra is retiring.

Stromstad is excited, but said she has to do more research when it comes to the projects that are underway, like the proposed downtown Utica hospital.

It's been a controversial project, as the eminent domain process would likely have to exercised.

Stromstad said she wants to be transparent and learn more about it.

She also wants to build community relationships and talk with those who oppose the project.

"It is important to understand what their issues are and for us to step forward and in a real time, concrete way be able to address all of their concerns so that we can move this agenda forward," she said.

Stromstad has a background in healthcare leadership roles.