Brian Bauer will no longer serve as CEO of Lutheran Health Network and Lutheran Hospital effective today, according to an email from LHN Communications.
Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly was unable to immediately verify the validity of the email with LHN or parent company Community Health Systems.
The announcement comes a month after news broke about an unsuccessful attempt by local doctors and others to buy out LHN from Tennessee-based CHS.
The group of local doctors, Fort Wayne Physicians LLC, have since spoken out about the parent company’s lack of investment in the network. Bauer did not speak out on the issue, but local doctors and other LHN employees have repeatedly voiced their confidence in his leadership.
Bauer has served as CEO of Lutheran Hospital since 2011 and CEO of Lutheran Health Network since 2013.
“Bauer has made meaningful contributions over the past several years, but current circumstances put him in an untenable position and he is unable to continue in his leadership role,” the email read.
Aaron Garofola, CEO of Dupont Hospital, has also been fired, according to the email.
According the email, interim leadership has been identified. Mike Poore will assume the interim CEO role for LHN and Lutheran Hospital and will have responsibility for day-to-day operations and executive management of LHN. Poore currently serves as Community Health Systems Professional Services corporation vice president of operations for the operating division that includes LHN.
Mike Young, a healthcare consultant with experience leading large health systems, has been appointed interim chief operating officer for LHN.
An interim leader for Dupont Hospital will be announced soon, according to the email.
Following the email, Indiana Senate President Pro-Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, sent a release stating he was disappointed in the decision to remove Bauer.
“I was extremely disappointed to hear that Lutheran Health Network's CEO Brian Bauer was let go by CHS today," Long said in his statement. "Brian is one of the finest young talents I've ever met, and has become a stalwart in our community. The fact that he is revered by the physicians and staff of the entire Lutheran system speaks volumes about his leadership abilities. The fact that CHS has chosen to terminate its most valuable asset in northeast Indiana also speaks volumes about why this Tennessee corporation is struggling to stay afloat today. This is truly a regrettable decision.”
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry also expressed his concerns with the decision to remove Bauer.
"Brian is a respected and valuable member of our community," Henry said in an emailed statement. "I consider Brian a friend and have been impressed by his leadership and commitment to Lutheran, Fort Wayne and the region.
"Last month, I had a telephone conversation with leaders from Community Health Systems to see what needed to occur for a positive resolution to be reached between them and the local hospital network. As part of that discussion, I offered to host an in-person meeting with Community Health Systems, local hospital leadership and myself. My office has yet to receive a response to that offer. I wish Brian the best in his future endeavors and encourage Community Health Systems to demonstrate a commitment to the future of the Lutheran Health Network."