New CEO Meets with Foundation Board Members

Douglas Deck, (top), meets with members of the Foundation Board.

Douglas Deck, who will become the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Munson Healthcare in January, met last month with members of the Foundation Board.

Doug has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Samaritan Health Partners and Good Samaritan Hospital headquartered in Dayton, Ohio for more than 17 years. In addition, he has served as Executive Vice President of Premier Health Partners, a regional three-hospital health care system headquartered in Dayton.

The announcement of his appointment was made on November 9 at Munson Healthcare’s Annual Corporate Membership meeting. Prior to that meeting, he took time to have lunch with Foundation board members.

“I was impressed with Doug’s knowledge and enthusiasm with regard to philanthropy and the increasing role that it will play in meeting the health care needs of our community,” said Foundation Board Chair George Bearup.

Doug’s selection was the culmination of a 10-month national search process that included involvement at all levels of the organization; including representation from the Foundation and CEOs and physician leaders at all Munson Healthcare owned and affiliated hospitals.

“Doug brings to Munson Healthcare an exceptional ability to work across boundaries with medical staffs, boards, and community leaders to put together health care solutions that meet community needs,” said Jim Dutmers, Chair of the Munson Healthcare Board of Directors.

While at Samaritan, Doug played a key role in several fundraising campaigns, including a major health care clinic for Dayton’s homeless and a virtual university for Good Samaritan nurses advancing their careers. “I am impressed by the generosity displayed by communities in this region,” he commented. “Completing Munson Medical Center’s $10 million ER campaign in 18 months is a significant accomplishment that clearly illustrates health care as a community priority.”

Munson’s national reputation for quality and the opportunity to lead a regional health care system were instrumental in his decision to join Munson Healthcare. He also was drawn to Munson by its people. “Over the years, I heard about the people associated with Munson Healthcare. The more I learned about the staff, physicians, and community involvement, the clearer it became that Munson’s people are its greatest strength.”

Doug is replacing retiring CEO John Rockwood, 62, who has been with Munson for 22 years. In July 2004, Ed Ness replaced the retiring Ralph Cerny as President and CEO of Munson Medical Center. Ness will continue in this position under Deck’s leadership.