WHEELING -
A local hospital group has a new interim chief executive officer.
Michael J. Caruso took over the role of interim president and CEO for Ohio Valley Health Services & Education Corporation, which is the parent company of Ohio Valley Medical Center and East Ohio Regional Hospital, effective February 13.
Matthew Thomas, the chairman of OVHS&E's Board of Directors, lauded Caruso's skills in a press release. "Mike's experience as an OVHS&E administrator, his commitment to our employees and the success of our organization, as well as his dedication to continuing the tradition of quality patient care that our hospitals have provided for over 100 years are all key attributes of what we are looking for in an interim CEO," said Thomas. "His unwavering loyalty to our organization and employees as well as the communities we serve makes him an ideal choice to lead the OVHS&E team."
Caruso was selected by the Board's executive committee earlier this month to replace George Couch, who was named chief executive officer in January 2011.
In a letter to employees obtained by 7 News, Caruso said Couch informed Thomas on Friday evening, February 10, he was resigning his CEO position to accept a position at rival Wheeling Hospital. "I know this news is shocking to us all, but I want you to be confident in that OVHS&E will remain a cornerstone of our community." He went on to praise the employees, describing them as "... some of the healthcare industry's most dedicated and passionate and skilled physicians, nurses, employees and staff."
Caruso told 7 News that during 2011, OVHS&E provided around $28 million in unreimbursed care, which includes charity care, unreimbursed co-pays and deductibles. He also said he hoped to hold the CEO job on a permanent basis. No decision on either a permanent CEO or a search for one can occur until after an executive committee to the OVHS&E Board of Directors meets. A meeting of that committee is scheduled for Wednesday.
Most recently, Caruso served as the Corporate Chief Operating Officer for OVHS&E. Prior to returning to Ohio Valley Medical Center in 2009, he worked as physician relations director for West Virginia University Healthcare and as an administrator at Wheeling Hospital. Overall, Caruso has over 25 years of healthcare management experience.
Caruso is a graduate of the Linsly Military Academy, Marshall University and received his master's of business administration from Wheeling Jesuit University. He is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives, the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders, and is a member of several local Boards of Directors including the Ohio County Board of Health.
He and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Wheeling and have three children, Michael, Stephanie, and Claire.
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