Trustees Appoint Acting President and CEO

The MetroHealth Board of Trustees today named Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, as the System's Acting President and CEO, effective immediately. She will lead the system while current President and CEO Airica Steed, Ed.D, RN, MBA, FACHE, is on medical leave.

"We have every confidence Dr. Alexander-Rager will ensure operations continue to run smoothly and our more than 9,000 caregivers have the support they need to fulfill our mission," said E. Harry Walker, MD, Chair, MetroHealth Board of Trustees. "She is a veteran of MetroHealth who cares deeply about this institution, our patients and our community."

Dr. Alexander-Rager has been with MetroHealth for nearly three decades, most recently serving as the enterprise's Interim Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive & Clinical Officer. Prior to assuming that role, she served as Chair of Family Medicine for 14 years.

A primary care physician by training, Dr. Alexander-Rager has a deep passion for advancing equity and improving healthcare access. She is the founder of MetroHealth's nationally recognized School Health Program, which partners with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other school systems to bring in-school clinics, mobile units and other services to students and their families.

Dr. Steed's leave was announced Tuesday in an email to the MetroHealth community.

"All of us on the Board and at MetroHealth wish Dr. Steed and her family well," said Dr. Walker. "We look forward to her return."