CommonSpirit Health announces Wright L. Lassiter III as its next CEO
Lassiter, who is CEO for Henry Ford Health, succeeds Lloyd H. Dean, who announced his retirement last fall.
Courtesy: Henry Ford Health
Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health has announced that Wright L. Lassiter III will succeed Lloyd H. Dean as its next CEO starting on August 1. Dean announced last fall that he would retire this year.
Lassiter has been CEO of Henry Ford Health since 2016 and joined that health system as president in 2014. Lassiter is also the current board chair of the American Hospital Association.
Henry Ford Health announced on the same day that Lassiter is leaving his role as the head of the $6.6B Detroit-based integrated health system in late July. The Henry Ford board of directors, led by chair David Breen, will conduct a national search for Lassiter's successor.
President for Health Care Operations and COO Bob Riney will lead Henry Ford during the transition period.
CommonSpirit Health is among the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, with a network of 140 hospitals and more than 1,500 care sites across 21 states and seven geographic divisions. The Catholic provider system includes Dignity Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, CHI Health, Centura Health and Baylor St. Luke's.
Lassiter brings 30 years of experience working in large, complex health systems, CommonSpirit said. Lassiter led Henry Ford through the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly expanded its footprint, grew its revenue, and earned recognition for the system's focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
Lassiter will work with the board and executive leadership team to advance CommonSpirit's strategic priorities and to guide the organization's next phase of growth and financial sustainability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A key area of focus will include supporting the health and wellbeing of CommonSpirit's nurses, physicians, and staff.
"Wright's accomplishments and career focus embody CommonSpirit's vision of healthcare as an essential aspect of every person's life," said CommonSpirit Board member and incoming Board Chair Chris Lowney. "His experience and success with complex health systems positions him well to lead our organization on our mission to deliver better health to all Americans."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
