Michael Bryant, President and CEO of Methodist Health Services Corporation (MHSC), has submitted his resignation, effective September 30. Bryant has accepted the position of President and CEO of Centra Health, headquartered in Lynchburg, VA.
Bryant has led Methodist since 1999. During his tenure, Methodist has become nationally recognized for outstanding quality and service, including being named one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, earning the State of Illinois’ highest quality award—the Lincoln Gold Award for Achievement of Excellence, twice achieving Magnet status—the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence, and being named one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois.
Bryant said, “I want to thank everyone at Methodist, our physicians, and the people of the Peoria area for making the last 12 years a special time, not only in my career but in my life. I love the people at Methodist. I know I am leaving the organization in good hands, and that Methodist will continue to thrive.”
MHSC Board Chair Karen Stumpe said, “Michael Bryant’s 12 years as Methodist CEO have been a period of tremendous growth for this organization. Michael has led Methodist to a position of excellence, not only in our community but on a national level. The Board extends its gratitude for Michael’s outstanding service to Methodist, our patients, our employees, and our community.”
The MHSC Board has appointed Debbie Simon as interim CEO, effective July 1. Simon has been with Methodist since 1976 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 1995 and Chief Nursing Officer since 1999. In her capacity as Senior Vice President, COO/CNO, Simon has been responsible for the overall growth and development of hospital operations and the practice of nursing at Methodist. She holds a BSN from the University of Illinois, an MBA from Bradley University, and is a Wharton Nurse Executive Fellow and a Henry Crown Leadership Fellow. Simon is actively involved in the community, serving on several civic boards, as well as being a member of numerous professional organizations on the state and national level. Details of the transition plan will be released as they become available.
Methodist recently signed a strategic affiliation agreement with Iowa Health System (IHS). Presuming regulatory approvals are received and closing occurs, Methodist will become the eighth senior affiliate of IHS, the sixth largest nondenominational health system in the United States, with annual revenues of $2.3 billion and relationships with 25 hospitals in Illinois and Iowa. The MHSC Board voted unanimously to pursue affiliation with IHS to provide Methodist with a strategic partner that will support and strengthen Methodist as a regional tertiary medical center and comprehensive health care system.
Bryant will continue to work for Methodist through September 30 to assist the organization with its planned affiliation with IHS. “I believe strongly that the affiliation with IHS is right for Methodist and right for our community, and I was looking forward to leading Methodist’s successful integration with IHS,” said Bryant. “But when the opportunity with Centra Health came along, I felt it was the right thing for me, for Paula and our family.”