Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, has been named president and CEO of Cleveland-based MetroHealth, effective Oct. 8, after serving as acting CEO since July.
Dr. Alexander-Rager's contract will run through 2025, according to an Oct. 8 news release from MetroHealth. She was named acting president and CEO on July 26 after former President and CEO Airica Steed, EdD, RN, went on medical leave and was later dismissed.
The board voted unanimously on Dr. Alexander-Rager's appointment in a meeting Oct. 8, cleveland.com reported. She has been with the system for nearly 30 years, most recently serving as interim chief physician and clinical executive, the release said.
"These are particularly difficult times in the MetroHealth System," board Chair E. Harry Walker, MD, said at the meeting, according to cleveland.com. "I know if we pull together, we will succeed. If we pull apart, we will not succeed."
MetroHealth's board voted to terminate Dr. Steed on Aug. 9; she was hired in 2022, and her contract was set to run through 2025. The board cited performance issues; Dr. Steed has said she was unlawfully terminated while on approved leave.
Akram Boutros, MD, Dr. Steed's predecessor, was also terminated by the MetroHealth board.