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As Schlichting Announces Retirement, Henry Ford Health System Names New President

DETROIT (WWJ) -- As part of a two-year succession plan, Nancy Schlichting, CEO of Henry Ford Health System, announced Monday that she will retire in December 2016 and the appointment of a new president for the health system.

Wright L. Lassiter, III -- currently CEO at Alameda Health System in Oakland, California -- will begin his new role as president of Henry Ford Health System on Dec. 15.

"It is very important to me to have a smooth transition in leadership and that I continue to serve in my role for a period of time alongside the individual we identify as the next CEO to ensure that Henry Ford Health System is best positioned for future success," Schlichting said.

Schlichting talked about one of the things she would like to do after she retires.

"I'd really like to help kids in Detroit," Schlichting said. "I'm very focused on children reaching their full potential in life and if I can help in any way I'd love to do that."

Lassiter is a seasoned CEO with 20 years of experience in large, complex health systems, including Methodist Health System in Dallas and JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas.

"I am honored to lead one of the nation's premier health care systems," Lassiter said. "I am equally thrilled to be part of the renewal of Detroit -- a city that the California media are now calling the 'new San Francisco' -- and the role Henry Ford is playing in the city's rebirth."

As CEO at Alameda Health System, Lassiter led the expansion and turnaround of an $865 million public health system, achieving eight years of positive financial performance with operating margins as high as 19%.

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