Catholic healthcare giant CommonSpirit Health has found its next CEO: Henry Ford Health's Wright Lassiter.
Lassiter will succeed Lloyd Dean, who served as CommonSpirit's sole CEO since 2020, on Aug. 1. Dean spent 19 years as the chief of Dignity Health, which merged with Catholic Health Initiatives in early 2019 and was initially operated under a dual CEO model.
Dean announced late last year that he planned to retire this summer. The longtime healthcare executive was named one of Fierce Healthcare's Most Influential Minority Executives in 2020.
Lassiter served as CEO at Detroit-based Henry Ford since 2016, leading the system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Henry Ford expanded its footprint and revenue significantly, and the system was recognized for its focus on employee well-being and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“CommonSpirit plays a special and indispensable role in communities across America,” said Lassiter in a statement. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization, which is a driving force for access to high-quality, essential services for all. I look forward to working with CommonSpirit’s Board, leadership team, our talented nurses and physicians and all of our employees to help advance the health of those we serve.”
Lassiter is also the current board chair of the American Hospital Association. Prior to joining Henry Ford, Lassiter served as the CEO of Alameda Health System in Oakland, California.
“Wright’s accomplishments and career focus embody CommonSpirit’s vision of healthcare as an essential aspect of every person’s life,” said CommonSpirit board member and incoming board chair Chris Lowney in a statement. “His experience and success with complex health systems positions him well to lead our organization on our mission to deliver better health to all Americans.”