B.E. Smith Seeking CEO for Deaconess Associations Incorporated
February 26, 2024 – Healthcare and life science organizations are facing an increasingly complex landscape, with rapid technological advancements, changing regulatory environments, and heightened public scrutiny. As a result, these companies have been turning to executive search firms more than ever to acquire world-class leadership. The most pressing challenge has been finding high-impact, innovative leaders who can navigate this complex terrain and drive meaningful change. Healthcare-focused B.E. Smith was recently enlisted by Deaconess Associations Incorporated (DAI) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Recruiter Heather Van Hecke is leading the assignment.
Reporting to the chairman of the board, the CEO’s primary function is to ensure that the philosophy, mission, vision, strategies and values of Deaconess Associations Incorporated are promoted, embraced and translated into appropriate action. The executive will serve as a key liaison in accomplishing the organization’s asset acquisition initiatives and accountable for maintaining and strengthening the financial viability of DAI to enable their pursuit of charitable endeavors.
Direct reports consist of the CFO, COO, compliance and strategy officer of DAI as well as the CEO’s of each of the five portfolio companies: Summit Home Care, Legacy Healthcare Services, Life Spring, Mays Home Care, and Healthcare Bridge.
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in healthcare management. They must have deep knowledge of industry and markets of the company. B.E. Smith is looking for an energetic leader who is able to build trusting, collaborative, and effective relationships with key stakeholders and is able to effectively represent DAI in all settings. They should be a visionary, strategic, forward-thinking leader, and knowledgeable of trends in home care industry. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in healthcare operations (for-profit and not-for-profit) and significant experience in business development processes. A successful history of structuring and integrating business transactions is preferred.
The Deaconess legacy is one of compassionate care in the Christian tradition. Founded in 1888 as the first general hospital in Cincinnati, OH, Deaconess today is an independent, not-for-profit enterprise managing a portfolio in excess of $1 billion of diversified health services, programs, investments and community grant initiatives in Greater Cincinnati and across the country.
Related: How Healthcare Recruiters Help Find Top Senior Talent
Deaconess invests in healthcare opportunities and community programs that reflect their philosophy of promoting better outcomes by facilitating access to care, encouraging prevention and supporting wellness initiatives. Their current portfolio includes Summit Home Care, Legacy Healthcare Services, Life Spring, Mays Home Care, and Healthcare Bridge.
Finding Healthcare Leadership
In 2020, B.E. Smith launched AMN Leadership Solutions, a division of AMN Healthcare. It provides a complete range of healthcare leadership search and talent solutions including: executive and physician leadership search, interim and leadership search, physician and advanced practice recruitment, recruitment process outsourcing, and leadership and talent optimization services. Underlying this initiative are also the services of three high-performing brands: Phillips DiPisa (executive and physician leadership search), and Leaders for Today and the First String (interim and leadership search). These brands are part of the AMN Leadership Solutions suite.
Keys to Succession Planning in Healthcare
The number of CEO changes at U.S. companies surged 49 percent from 112 in January to 167 last month, says a new study from executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. February’s total is up 11 percent from the 151 CEOs who left their posts in the same month in 2022. Hospitals announced 18 CEO exits for a total of 41, 58 percent higher than the 26 announced through February last year.
“We will likely continue to see increased CEO exits in hospitals as they recover from the pandemic, consolidate, and respond to both worker shortages and increased costs,” said Andrew Challenger, leadership expert and senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. It’s a sign of the times. Leader resignations across the board are skyrocketing, leaving organizations in flux.
Among its past searches B.E. Smith has helped to place the president and CEO for the Washington Permanente Medical Group, CEO for Rochelle (IL) Community Hospital and group chief financial officer for Bon Secours Mercy Health.
As a consultant with AMN Leadership Solutions, Ms. Van Hecke brings more than eight years of recruitment experience, specializing in sourcing healthcare executives and physician leaders in the healthcare industry. She has recruiting expertise in multiple areas including legal, marketing, finance in industries such as healthcare, financial services, consumer/retail and manufacturing. Ms. Van Hecke is also skilled in full-cycle recruitment, building relationships, business development, marketing, and account management.
Related: Recruiting Diverse Leaders in Healthcare
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
