MetroHealth System fires CEO Airica Steed
MetroHealth, a major public health system in Ohio, has been facing leadership turbulence over the past few years. Following the controversial departure of former CEO Dr. Akram Boutros in 2022, the hospital appointed Dr. Airica Steed to lead the organization. However, recent tensions between Steed and the MetroHealth board have led to another shakeup at the top.
MetroHealth Fires CEO Airica Steed Amid Leadership Disputes
Airica Steed, who became CEO of MetroHealth in December 2022, was fired Friday afternoon following a special board of trustees meeting.
The county hospital hired Steed after it ousted its former CEO, Dr. Akram Boutros, just months before his retirement.
Steed announced three weeks ago that she was taking medical leave, after which the hospital named Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager, a longtime physician and executive, as the interim CEO. The motion to fire her was approved by all members present.
MetroHealth’s board chair, Dr. E. Harry Walker, said in the meeting that the “board has lost confidence in Dr. Steed’s ability to lead the system.”
The board did not cite specific reasons for firing her. In a statement posted on the MetroHealth website after the meeting, the board said it disagreed with Steed’s priorities.
“It has become clear that the Board and Dr. Steed fundamentally disagree about the priorities and performance standards needed from our CEO for MetroHealth to fulfill its mission,” Walker said. “We believe Dr. Steed’s performance is not meeting the needs of MetroHealth.”
Steed said through an attorney Friday evening that she was “stunned” by her termination and is considering suing MetroHealth’s board of trustees for “unlawfully” getting rid of her while on medical leave. Records indicate tension existed between the board and Steed over her frequent travel — and the expenses and absences from the hospital related to those trips.
Steed’s Performance Review and Leadership Concerns
Despite earning a largely positive 2023 performance review, which was completed in March 2024, Steed’s leadership drew mixed feedback. She hit goals tied to the hospital’s performance that triggered a $381,000 bonus on top of her $900,000 base salary.
A report summarizing her performance review stated that Steed met or exceeded expectations in areas such as “mission strategy, quality safety and experience, financial management, and community and external relations.” However, concerns arose regarding her collaboration with physicians, leadership effectiveness, and relationship with the board.
The full 2024 performance evaluation, which included feedback from 32 board members, top physicians, and community leaders, gave her an overall rating of 7.3 out of 10. While many respondents praised her community engagement and financial management, others criticized her frequent travel, limited presence at the hospital, and strained relationship with the board.
Travel Expenses and Scrutiny from the Board
One of the major points of contention was Steed’s travel and expenses. A separate report analyzed her travel patterns and business-related expenses over the past 18 months. The report showed that Steed traveled frequently, often multiple times per month, to attend healthcare and leadership conferences where she was a speaker or received awards. The total cost of her travel, including airfare, hotels, car services, and meals, amounted to $77,410.
In addition to travel, the report examined her spending on memberships, local event fees, and business meals, totaling nearly $73,000. While the board did not specify whether these expenses violated any policies, it signaled dissatisfaction by passing a resolution in June 2024 requiring her to seek prior approval for certain expenses.
With Steed’s departure, MetroHealth faces a period of transition under interim CEO Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager. The hospital has already announced cost-cutting measures, including reductions in travel expenses, as part of an effort to stabilize its finances.
As MetroHealth moves forward, questions remain about the long-term leadership direction and how the board will address ongoing financial and operational challenges. Meanwhile, Steed’s potential legal action against the hospital could further complicate the situation.
MetroHealth has yet to announce the search process for a permanent CEO.
Steed’s firing raises concerns about MetroHealth’s stability and governance, as the hospital has now removed two CEOs in less than two years. With ongoing financial challenges and the need to rebuild trust within the organization, MetroHealth’s leadership must navigate a critical transition period. The appointment of an interim CEO suggests a period of reassessment, but questions remain about the future direction of the hospital and the process for selecting a permanent leader. Additionally, if Steed proceeds with legal action, MetroHealth may find itself embroiled in yet another high-profile dispute, adding further complexity to an already difficult situation.
