MetroHealth's Visionary New Leader, Part 1

Prescription for Hope

“I want to be known for giving the voiceless a voice. I want to be known for positioning people and adding a seat at the table. I want to be known for having those footprints in the sand, delivering health care for everyone regardless of their ability to pay. I want to be known for shattering health care disparities. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.” It’s a new year and a new era at The MetroHealth System in Cleveland. New President and CEO Dr. Airica Steed has hit the ground … sprinting. As the first woman, first Black person and first nurse to serve as Metro’s chief executive, she is on a passionate mission to reverse racial disparities and make sure every person – in Cuyahoga County and beyond – has an equal chance at a long and healthy life. That is just one part of her bold vision for the future of the $1.7 billion, 8,000-employee safety-net health system. As a proud fourth-generation nurse, her initial vision for MetroHealth is focused on excellent patient care, innovation, accelerating growth and health equity. She plans to turn that vision into reality by using her favorite leadership tools: partnering with others and listening. A Listening and Engagement Tour, the central piece of her 100-day-and-beyond plan, has her in ongoing meetings with employees throughout the health system, leaders throughout the state, and community members throughout Cuyahoga County. Dr. Steed, who started on December 5, 2022, took some time from her whirlwind tour to take part in a wide-ranging conversation with Diane Suchetka, MetroHealth’s Senior Manager of External Affairs. This is Part 1 of their conversation.