Topics
More on Operations

Memorial Hermann CEO Benjamin Chu resigns to pursue health policy work, system says

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Charles D. Stokes will serve as interim President & CEO in addition to his current role.

Beth Jones Sanborn, Managing Editor

Memorial Hermann Health System CEO Benjamin Chu has resigned effectively immediately to pursue work in public health policy, the system announced.

Meanwhile, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Charles D. Stokes will serve as interim President & CEO in addition to his current role.

Dr. Chu most recently served as Chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees which earned him a national profile in health policy. He also serves as Board Chair for the Commonwealth Fund in New York and a member of the Advisory Committee to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[Also: Emerus, Memorial Hermann partner on micro hospitals to expand network, access to care]

"As a physician and longtime public policy advocate, Dr. Chu plans to continue his mission to enhance access to high-quality care and improve the overall health of our population," said Memorial Hermann Health System Board Chair Deborah M. Cannon. "With the current state of the healthcare industry, I can think of no better time for a champion like Dr. Chu to help lead public policy efforts. We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. In the interim, we are confident Chuck will fill the role seamlessly."

Stokes, a registered nurse, is also the current Chairman of the Board of Governors for the American College of Healthcare Executives in addition to his now multiple roles with Memorial Hermann.

Stokes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, then later a master's degree in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Twitter: @BethJSanborn