St. Louis University officials confirmed Monday that they're developing a succession plan for medical school dean, Dr. Philip Alderson, and have appointed a new CEO to lead the university's physician group, SLUCare.
In a letter sent to students and faculty on Monday, university President Fred P. Pestello announced Dr. Robert M. Heaney has become SLUCare CEO, effective immediately. Heaney, who most recently served as senior associate dean for clinical affairs, will report to Alderson and serve in that role through December 2016, according to the announcement.
"To best position SLUCare for the future," Pestello said he expects Heaney and Alderson to develop a five-year strategic plan for the practice beginning this fall.
Kathy Merlo will continue as the group's chief operating officer and will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations.
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The letter only briefly mentioned why Heaney will serve as CEO through December 2016: "This appointment will allow for overlap with the arrival of the new dean of the School of Medicine. At that time, we will have additional conversations about the administrative structure of SLUCare."
In the letter, Pestello said Alderson thought there should be a succession plan in place before next October. At that time, the letter mentions an accreditation site visit will occur at the school of medicine, when Alderson will be 72. Alderson was named medical school dean in February 2008.
Alderson will continue in his role until a successor is named.
Starting this fall, Pestello will form a committee to begin the search for Alderson's successor and the university will also reach out to a national search firm.
Once the dean is in place, Alderson will take a sabbatical before returning to the "phased retirement program" to assist with fundraising and other duties.
"I want to thank Dr. Alderson for his leadership and service to SLU; we will have a more formal thank you at a later time," the letter reads.
After speaking with leaders among SLUCare, Pestello said it became clear SLUCare needed one single leader instead of the current five-member office of the CEO.
After SLUCare CEO Gary Van House left in September 2013, the current leadership structure was created, Clayton Berry, university spokesman, told the Post-Dispatch Monday.
The letter mentions that Heaney played a "significant role" in developing the agreement with SSM Health, St. Louis University Hospital's new owner. The physician practice was not included in SSM's acquisition of the hospital.
