Movers & Shakers: CEO changes across Fox Chase, Gonzales, Ottumwa Regional, VCU Health
Fox Chase Cancer Center appoints CEO
Fox Chase Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center that is part of Temple Health, has named Robert Uzzo, MD, MBA, as CEO. He had been serving as interim CEO.
In addition to CEO, Uzzo takes on the roles of executive vice president, Cancer Services for Temple University Health System, and senior associate dean, Clinical Cancer Research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He will also retain the role of the G. Willing “Wing” Pepper Chair in Cancer Research.
As interim CEO, Uzzo led Fox Chase to double-digit increases in new patient volumes and set the institution on track for the highest-ever number of new patient visits, according to a release about his new position.
Uzzo first joined Fox Chase Cancer Center in 2000 after completing fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic. He is specialty trained in organ-sparing and reconstructive surgical techniques and skilled in open, laparoscopic and robotic urologic surgery. During his time with the cancer center, he served as chair of Fox Chase’s department of surgery before entering his new roles.
Gonzales Healthcare Systems out after 4 months
Michael La Coste is no longer CEO of Gonzales Healthcare Systems after less than four months on the job, Gonzales Inquirer reported.
The healthcare system, based in Gonzales, Texas, stated the departure was mutual.
“There was a mutual decision made last night (Tuesday, Nov. 1) at the board meeting, by the Board of Directors and CEO Michael La Coste, that Mr. La Coste will no longer serve as GHS CEO, effective immediately,” Holly Danz, GHS director of advertising and public relations, told the Inquirer.
In the interim, CFO/COO Brandon Anzaldua will be leading the healthcare system. Anzaldua became COO in September and has been CFO since December 2019. La Coste was hired in mid-July to replace former CEO Gerald Parton.
CEO out after employee death at Iowa health center
Leadership changes have been made at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, based in Iowa, and an investigation by police is underway after the death of an employee.
Devin Caraccio, a registered nurse who worked at the hospital, died October 15 and was found alone in a room in the hospital, according to Ottumwa Radio News. The outlet reported Dennis Hunger was terminated as CEO.
“Dennis Hunger is no longer serving as Chief Executive Officer of Ottumwa Regional Health Center,” Eric Carlson, chair of the Board of Trustees, said in a statement. “We have identified interim leadership while we conduct a national search for a replacement. We are committed to doing all that we can to support and advance the critical work of our team at ORHC, and we will provide an update when a new leader has been appointed.”
VCU Health CEO resigns
Art Kellermann, MD, has resigned as senior vice president for Health Sciences and CEO of VCU Health.
The resignation comes after VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) was making moves to oust the health system leader, according to a late October report from Richmond Times-Dispatch. Kellerman served as CEO of the health system through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time the health system became overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. In addition, high rates of departures among nursing staff and other financial blows have contributed to a challenging period for the health system.
“[Kellerman’s] tenure here was marked by COVID challenges, and I appreciate how he, our leadership team and each and every one of you helped us manage such difficult times,” Michael Rao, president of VCU and VCU Health, said in a statement to staff.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."