Orlando (Fla.) Health has named David W. Strong, MHA, president and CEO after more than a year without a permanent leader, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Sherrie Sitarik, Orlando Health's most recent CEO, stepped down in September 2013 during a difficult period. The health system had laid off the most workers to date in its 100-year history and was struggling with falling profits and disgruntled employees, according to the report.
Mr. Strong is leaving his post as president of Raleigh, N.C.-based Rex Healthcare and CEO for system affiliations at the University of North Carolina Health Care System in Chapel Hill to take the job. His tenure at Orlando Health begins in early April.
Mr. Strong has more than 20 years of healthcare management experience. He began his career in Baton Rouge, La., with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center as executive vice president and vice president of operations and ambulatory care. Mr. Strong then served as CEO at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City until joining Rex Healthcare in 2004.