Public Hearing on Hiring of new CEO for the Cook County Health System

Cook County Board of Commissioners Health and Hospitals Committee
​Public Hearing
​February 27, 2024                                         Meeting Length: 1 hr. 25 min. 

Dr. R. Garza CCH Board of Directors Chair introduced Brian Barton and Dr. Greg Vaughn. They were representing the firm Spencer Stuart, which is conducting the search process and were present to hear priorities and address questions. Many of the points of concern, they stated, had also been expressed to them by the Cook County Health (CCH) Board.  Commissioners agreed on these and many others.

The discussion included the following points of concern:

• The 9% of agency hires is a financial burden and discouraging to employees who see agency coworkers earning higher salaries. Staffing is a responsibility and must be seen by next CEO as an important priority.
• Susan Avala, representing 7th Dist. Health Task Force, stated concerns over turnover in leadership, need for staffing using fulltime employees so they have sufficient training to address medical needs of clients.
• Diane Palmer, SCIU union, pointed to the financial burden of agency workforce; CEO needs to recognize the needs represented by unfilled positions. Staffing goes beyond doctors and nurses. 
• Experience in public health systems is needed, showing a commitment to it.  Concern about the position as a steppingstone was repeated by many.  
• Prioritizing mental health/ behavioral health services is needed. Treatment is an important tool in many cases when police have become the only available option. 
• Christina Terell, mental health specialist at Cermak facility echoed this concern noting overreliance on agency workers has negative impact on workload for rest of staff.
• Julia Jacobs, for 25 yr. a mental health worker, stated new CEO must value developing technology so that patients have access to tools.
• Understand value of flexibility to address quickly shifting needs we confront. 
•  Understand systems interface with functions of others in Cook County
• Importance of equity needs in disinvested communities must be recognized 
• Background in business administration of healthcare is useful

 The following information is a portion of what commissioners were told when they asked about the process.

• The process generally takes 5-6 months from start to finish.  Discussions with CCH Board have begun. 
• Vaughn stated confidentiality is very important for candidates in the process.
• Asked what happens if you feel you don’t have the ideal candidate among the ones interviewed, Mr. Barton stated we want to bring. you the top candidate. If necessary, we relaunch the search. We are here until you are satisfied with the final candidate.

Observer : Carolyn Cosentiino