Here’s how people are saying about the appointment of Dr. Cliff Deveny as Summa’s interim president and CEO:
Dr. Michael Bage, an independent cardiologist, former Summa medical staff president and author of the no-confidence letter seeking resignation of former CEO:
“I believe that everyone deserves a chance. We must come together as a medical community to save the institution and restore the public’s trust. The culture of Summa must once again focus on delivering the highest quality patient care, medical education and professional collegiality.
“Dr. Deveny must move forward rapidly and decisively to restore the trust which has been lost and to heal the deep wounds. He must reach out not only to Summa-employed physicians and staff, but also to private community physicians who have long been an integral part of the Summa family. Dr. Deveny must demonstrate that his prior business relationships will not affect his decision-making and that he will always place Summa’s best interests about those of his prior partners.”
Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro:
“The appointment of Dr. Cliff Deveny as the interim president and CEO of Summa Health System is exciting and positive news for our county’s largest employer. I have had the opportunity work with Dr. Deveny in the past, and I am optimistic that he brings with him an energy, intelligence and sense of community needed to keep Summa a strong and stable anchor and influence in our county.
“In large part, our local economy and identity is based on our vibrant health care industry. For years, Summa Health System has been at the forefront of that industry, and has grown to become Summit County’s largest employer. For the success of our County, and our region, it is critical that Summa continue to grow and prosper. I have full confidence that under Dr. Deveny’s leadership, Summa will get back on track, and will continue to be a leader in providing quality health care to Summit County’s residents.…”
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Council President Marilyn Keith:
“Summa Health is a trusted community anchor in the midst of a challenging transition. Not only is Summa the largest employer in Summit County…it is a key partner in the economic and physical health of our community. It is essential that Summa remain independent and financially strong. As an institution, Summa has been on a promising upward trajectory in recent years, and has committed to making significant investments in Akron – including a new six-floor, 300,000-square-foot facility expansion downtown. In short, the ongoing success of Summa is vital to the wellbeing of Akron and our region.
“History has shown that no organization is immune to the growing pains that arise when longstanding patterns and practices are replaced with new ways of thinking. The only way to weather these storms is through transparent, honest governance focused on making the best decisions — even when those decisions prove difficult. As we move forward, we must foster an open community dialogue to ensure that all of Summa’s many stakeholders feel invested in the future success of this important civic asset.
“As mayor and council president, we know that transformational leadership requires vision, compassion, wisdom, and courage. An Akron native, Dr. Cliff Deveny brings a wealth of experience and goodwill to the position as Summa’s new CEO. He has invested two decades of his career at Summa and will be a strong and focused voice for the hospital. Dr. Deveny knows this institution, and he knows Akron.…”
Dr. Dale Murphy, independent internal medicine physician, past president of the medical staff and former vice president of medical affairs:
“I’m cautiously optimistic. I think the one thing that Cliff brings to the table is he does know most of the players. Some of the players have changed over time. That’s something he’s going to need to assess and move forward. He does know the community. He’s an Akron guy. There’s a lot of positives there. We’ll give it a chance and try to move forward. Nobody wants to see Summa fail.
“I think people are willing to give him a chance. The proof is going to be can he really deliver on some of this stuff we know is not good right now.”
Dr. Hitesh Makkar, Summa medical staff vice president, part of the critical-care specialist group whose contract with Summa recently wasn’t renewed:
“He has a good grasp on what’s going on here. He knows all of the players. He knows what needs to be done. I was also very clear in saying this place has had a very intimidating culture. He said that’s not acceptable.
“I am pleasantly surprised by what he said. It’s now time to follow him, go behind him and make sure we bring Summa where it needs to be. He acknowledges it’s a community asset.… The key is going to be transparency and he’s promised that.”
Dr. Bob Schaal, independent internal medicine physician, former president of medical staff, and member of the Summa board of directors for five years when Deveny was an executive:
“He’s a good guy and is interested in patient care. He’s got a big task here. He has to decide what’s more important — the institution or his friends and business partners.”