Both large, nonprofit health systems will receive a new president and CEO before the end of the year.
Sutter Health and Ochsner Health will experience leadership changes this winter.
Warner Thomas will leave his post at Ochsner Health to join Sutter Health as president and CEO in December, the Sacramento, California-based health system announced on Tuesday. He will be the first CEO that is hired outside of the organization in almost four decades.
"Since joining Ochsner in 1998, and assuming the role of president and CEO in 2012, Warner has been instrumental in our growth and success. Under Warner's leadership, Ochsner Health has expanded across Louisiana and the Gulf South and built a national reputation for quality and excellence," Andy Wisdom, chair of Ochsner's board of directors, said in a statement. "Warner's legacy will live on at Ochsner for many years to come. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are grateful for Warner's visionary leadership, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter."
In his new role, Thomas succeeds Sarah Krevans, the first woman to serve as president and CEO of Sutter Health, who announced her 2022 retirement plans in the fall of 2021.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the outstanding teams at Sutter Health. I’ve admired the organization for many years, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with such an exceptional group of talent, from the leadership team to clinicians and physicians to staff," Thomas said in a Q&A with Sutter Health's Vitals.
Thomas has served as president and CEO of Ochsner Health since 2012, and through a unanimous vote from the system's board, will be succeeded by the current EVP and CFO, Pete November, the New Orleans-based health system also announced on Tuesday.
"Pete is an exemplary leader who has a deep understanding of Ochsner Health, our patients and the communities we serve," Wisdom said in a statement. "Over the last several years we've developed a clear leadership succession plan, and the board's unanimous vote is a strong signal of our confidence in Pete to build on Ochsner's foundation of excellence to ensure we remain strong for many years to come."
November will assume his role on November 1, and will work with Thomas, the senior leadership team, and the board to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
"This organization is an incredibly special place, and I am grateful to the board for the opportunity to help shape its bright future," November said in a statement. "It is a privilege to partner with our 36,000 employees and physicians to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of the communities we serve. As the leading health system in the Gulf South, I take seriously the responsibility we have to fulfill our mission, deliver innovative care and keep Ochsner strong for years to come."
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.