By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County Medical Center chief Michael Young is leaving to take over the helm of another troubled hospital. Young announced Monday that he accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer for Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
Young was one of four finalists considered to head the turn-around effort at the massive county medical center. His departure comes on the heals of contentious merger negotiations with Kaleida Health. At best, Young would have been number two in command of the merged Western New York health care system.
He said he could not pass up the opportunity in Atlanta.
Grady Memorial is roughly twice the size of ECMC and faces similar financial struggles as those at ECMC when Young was brought in. He is credited with putting ECMC in the black after a number of years of losses.
Young will stay on for 60 days while a national search is conducted to find his replacement. ECMC board member Jody Lomeo will act as interim CEO. The search is expected to take about four months.
Lomeo, who is also a member of the Western New York Health Care System, said it will be a smooth transition.
ECMC officials said that a salary for Lomeo has not yet been determined. They also said that Young will not receive any separation benefits.
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