Hennepin Healthcare has undergone another leadership change, marking the resignation of its second co-administrator in just one week.

The hospital board convened for a special meeting Tuesday, during which county commissioners accepted the resignation of acting administrator David J. Hough and appointed Dr. John Cumming as the CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, effective April 10.

Hough’s departure follows the resignation of co-administrator Dr. J. Kevin Croston, who stepped down a week prior.

Dr. Cumming is a seasoned health care executive who previously worked as a trauma surgeon at Hennepin Healthcare for a decade and served as interim CEO from 2019 to 2020.

A spokesperson for Hennepin Healthcare said in a statement that Cumming has been tasked with leading the organization while the Board searches for a long-term, permanent CEO. His focus will include financial stabilization, strong employee retention and improved access to care.

“Dr. Cumming has led this organization before and understands what it takes to deliver exceptional care in a complex safety-net system,” said Board Chair Jeffrey Lunde.

Hennepin Healthcare said in a statement that it is reestablishing leadership for the state's largest safety-net health system during a pivotal time. This decision comes as state and local partners seek legislative approval to repurpose existing Hennepin County sales tax revenue to cover costs associated with Hennepin Healthcare and HCMC, with the goal of achieving long-term financial stability. The sales tax currently serves to pay off the bonds for Target Field’s construction debt, which is expected to be settled by 2027.

Hennepin Healthcare operates HCMC, an adult and pediatric trauma center and teaching hospital.

Collected from Minnesota Public Radio News. View original source here.