Orlando Health appoints interim president

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Health said it has appointed an interim president after it announced Thursday that Sherrie Sitarik stepped down as President and CEO.

Jamal Hakim will serve as interim president and CEO following the departure of Sitarik, according to a release Friday.

The board said it asked Sitarik to resign.

Hakim was elected to the position of vice chief of staff of Orlando Health and began serving on the board of directors in 2007, according to a release. Hakim assumed the role of chief of staff in 2009.

“As the interim leader for the organization I will focus on three key areas,” said Dr. Hakim in a release.  “First will be patients and ensuring that we deliver superior care.  Next, it will be on our team; listening to their concerns and sharing questions and ideas.  And, finally, I will continue to focus on working smarter and strengthening our bottom line.”

Orlando Health said it will begin a search in the next few weeks for a new president.

Orlando Health is one of central Florida's largest hospital networks, comprised of several facilities, including Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando.

Recently, the institution has faced financial difficulties, layoffs and scrutiny from upset employees.

Full statement from Orlando Health:

Orlando Health’s Board of Directors today announced that it has made the difficult decision to transition leadership.  Sherrie Sitarik has stepped down as President and CEO effective immediately.  A nationwide search will begin within the next few weeks and an interim president and CEO will be appointed shortly.

The leadership change at Orlando Health is based on the Board’s desire to position Orlando Health strongly for the future.

"Even as we recognize this need for change, we do so with deep gratitude for Sherrie's service,” said Dianna Morgan, Chairman, Orlando Health Board of Directors.  “Sherrie has made tremendous contributions to this great institution for more than 30 years.  In many ways, she is responsible for our outstanding progress in quality and patient care and the fact that we are today an A-graded hospital system by the Leapfrog Group. "

Orlando Health will continue to move forward with strategic planning initiatives that benefit the community and which help to re-establish and maintain a strong financial position for the organization.  Orlando Health remains committed to physicians, team members, and other community partners.

"Across this organization we have capable and strong leaders who are committed to providing the very best in healthcare each day,” adds Morgan.

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