Children's Considine Steps Down, Wakulchik Steps In
Written by Ryan LangA major announcement from Akron Children's Hospital Wednesday, as Bill Considine, long-time CEO says he is stepping down, effective Thursday, and that hospital president Grace Wakulchick is taking over.
Considine, who's been at the helm for nearly 40 years, named CEO at the age of 32, will now move into the CEO Emeritus role through January, 2020.
See the full press release from Akron Children's Hospital below:
Grace Wakulchik assumes the title of president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital, effective today (Thursday), as William H. Considine becomes CEO Emeritus. Wakulchik has been president of the enterprise since July 2017.
Considine, who has served at the helm of Akron Children’s for nearly 40 years, is one of the longest-serving hospital chief executives in the nation, and during his tenure, the hospital has grown into a nationally-known and respected independent, integrated pediatric health system.
“As president and CEO, Grace Wakulchik assumes full responsibility for the operations of the hospital enterprise,” said John Orr, chairman of the Akron Children’s Hospital Board of Directors, in an announcement to employees. “During her 26 years at Akron Children’s, Grace has held various leadership roles, and was named president last year. We are extremely fortunate that we have someone so well prepared to take on this role. Grace has both a clinical and business background, which will serve the hospital well. She has enormous credibility with the Children’s family, and embodies the hospital’s culture, heritage, mission and family-centered care.”
In his new role as CEO Emeritus, Considine will focus his attention throughout 2019 on child advocacy, in particular, continuing his work with state and federal lawmakers to establish stable and equitable funding for children’s hospitals through Medicaid and other programs. He will retire from his role as CEO Emeritus on Jan. 1, 2020.
Four decades of growth
When Considine, at age 32, was named president and CEO in 1979, Akron Children’s had an annual operating budget of $35 million, 900 employees and the geographic footprint of one hospital building at the corner of Bowery and Exchange streets in downtown Akron.
Today, Akron Children’s has a budget of $1.8 billion, more than 6,000 employees, two hospital campuses (Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley in Boardman celebrates 10 years this December), and 60-plus locations, including a network of 28 primary care offices, four urgent care centers, affiliations with 30 school districts and dozens of special care nurseries and pediatric specialty care clinics throughout Northern Ohio. The clinical staff provides care in more than one million patient encounters annually.
Three regional health centers are under construction, and the Considine Professional Building, which has been undergoing an $84 million addition, opened in October. This follows the Kay Jewelers Pavilion, which opened in 2015, in reshaping the downtown Akron campus.
This growth – coupled with enviable financial stability – has continued during a climate when other hospitals have closed their doors or merged. But Considine’s steady leadership and commitment to keeping Akron Children’s an independent, locally-governed children’s hospital has not only set it apart, it has become the key to its success.
Considine and Becky, his wife of 46 years have devoted countless hours to Akron organizations and civic causes. Hoping to make an impact on children not only now but in the future, they donated $1 million in 2009 to create the Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute at Akron Children’s.
The Year Ahead
As Considine, 71, moves into his role as CEO Emeritus, he will continue to work with the Children’s Hospital Association and the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association on child advocacy. Events at Akron Children’s throughout 2019 will celebrate his four decades of service, including a child advocacy conference in June and a gala celebration in October at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
New Leadership
Wakulchik, 62, began her career as a registered nurse. In addition to receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Case Western Reserve University, Wakulchik earned a MBA from Kent State University and completed the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives at the Wharton School and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania.
As chief operating officer, she oversaw the construction of Akron’s Children’s $200 million Kay Jewelers Pavilion, featuring a new emergency department, neonatal intensive care unit and outpatient surgery center. Using Integrated Lean Project Delivery, the building was complete two months ahead of schedule and $60 million under budget.
She guided the installation of Akron Children’s electronic medical record transformation and MyChart patient portal with an investment of $47 million in 2012. She has also played key roles in initiatives to improve patient access, guide regional growth and help the organization achieve the highly-respected designation as a Magnet facility from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
According to Orr, the Board of Directors has worked diligently with Considine in developing a seamless transition plan throughout the past three years.
“This plan will build on the hospital’s enormous growth and success and maintains our special workplace culture and focus on family-centered care,” said Orr. “The board is very pleased with the manner in which everyone is embracing the transition. Bill Considine and his wife, Becky, have given their all to Akron Children’s and this community. Words will never capture our admiration for his leadership and service. This transition is a testament to his values and belief in the Akron Children’s mission. He and Grace have seamlessly realigned responsibilities and the hospital’s momentum has not missed a beat.”
The Akron Jewish community mourns the loss of many innocent people and those who were severely wounded at Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers, sisters, first responders and community members who were impacted by this horrific crime of hate. Together we stand with all of Pittsburgh and the victims in the face of this terrible violence. May the memories of those who lost their lives be for a blessing.
We invite the entire Akron community to join us for an interfaith community vigil “Standing Together” on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., at the Schultz Campus for Jewish Life located at 750 White Pond Drive in Akron. Community members of all faiths, backgrounds and neighborhoods are invited to join the gathering.
Clergy from Anshe Sfard Synagogue, Beth El Congregation and Temple Israel will lead the public in prayer. Interfaith community members and public officials have been invited as special guests.
Doors open at 5 p.m. Due to heightened security, no large bags or backpacks will be permitted. For more information, please call 330-867-7850 or visit www.jewishakron.org.
If you would like to contribute to a special fund for the victims of the tragedy in Pittsburgh, please click here.
Akron Police were called to a home in the 500 block of East South Street, Monday night around 11:30, on a report of a man who was assaulted by his roommate.
When officers arrived, they found the 59-year-old victim who had been hit in the head with a wrench, allegedly by his roommate, 56-year-old Gary J. Thompson.
The victim was transported by EMS to Akron City Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, according to the police report.
Thompson, meanwhile, has been booked into the Summit County Jail on charges of felonious assault. Included in the report was that Thompson attacked his roommate over the volume of the television.
Halloween
Well, it's 40 years later and this series is still going and still a hit. This version picks up 40 years after the original, and attempts to take us to back to the original story to a degree.
Jamie Lee Curtis stars in this, she still plays the same character as she did in the original, and she has a score to settle with Micheal Meyers who has been in jail for 40 years, but is now out as he has escaped. Some of this really works, and some of this really doesn't. My biggest problem is simply this. Somehow, Micheal Meyers who is now 60-plus is still the awesome force he was then. You can shoot him, run him down with a car, and about anything else, and he's not even phased.
There is a nice "creepy" factor to this and there is wonderful use of the incredible soundtrack as well. This looks good, and outside of the Meyers gaffe, there is a decent script the work with here. But in the end, the star of this movie, is the nostalgia that surrounds it. Fans love the idea of this as much as any frame of this movie.
Halloween. Tons of hype.
First Man
This is a huge role or Ryan Gosling and he delivers in the new Neil Armstrong bio-pic, First Man. Armstrong, of course the first human to walk on the moon, was a very complicated man, and this pic dares to go there. This is more than just a NASA flick, it shows Armstrong in all facets of his life in the heat of the space race. And to its credit, they show a man who is amazing, and very flawed at the same time.
This deals with his personal life, as much as his life as an astronaut. The severe ups and downs he was dealing with both as a professional and as a husband and father. What we have is a man who is not the warmest muffin in the tin, and one that takes tragedy and decides to lose himself in his work. This also shows the extreme pressure the entire NASA family was under during the Gemini and Apollo Programs, as that is part of the story.
Gosling is terrific, and so the the very large supporting cast. This takes us back beautifully to the Saturn V days of NASA, and the sets, costuming, styling, makeup and special effects are extremely good. The musical soundtrack is right on point, especially during the lunar scenes, and the use of actual NASA spoken footage is fantastic too.
This had a disappointing opening weekend money wise, and that's too bad. Not enough action maybe for some, and the timing of this release is strange, as I feel more around the holidays may have been better. This may be the best movie of the year that no one will really see. Very, very good.
A Star Is Born
It will be a brave critic who will dare give a negative about this new version of a classic tale. So many won't go there. And neither will I, as this is pretty darn good for the most part. Bradley Cooper and Lady GAGA star in this nicely updated adaptation of the timeless story. They both shine. But she is terrific!
The music has been updated well, and for my eyes and ears, there could have been more of it. The two things this movie needed was her, and new music, and they both deliver. This will be the opportunity and the role of her career, as these kind of projects don't come around often, and she grabs it. There is Oscar buzz about her here, and a nomination will happen, and probably a win. This is powerful, emotional and moving much of the time. There are some very poignant scenes that had the theater crying, and that's to its credit.
Truth be told, this had great pace to it and the 2 hour 15 is not really a problem. There is a weakness or two. For me, Lady GAGA, in her role was not an underdog enough at the beginning, and some of her written dialogue is tough to believe at times, but that fades. Her rise to stardom is handled well after a shaky start, but it's not a deal breaker. Cooper is good here, but his character is extremely one dimensional and that is fatiguing at times. But again, there is far more to like here, than not.
A Star Is Born. You'll love it, well done.
(Summe Health) – The Summa Health Board of Directors today announced that Cliff Deveny, MD, has been named president and CEO. Dr. Deveny rejoined Summa in March of 2017 as interim president and CEO.
Since returning to Summa, Dr. Deveny has been instrumental in guiding the turnaround of the health system, both culturally and financially. Through August of 2018, the organization experienced an operating margin of $17.5 million. This reflects a turnaround of more than $50M in operating income improvement, when compared to the same time period in 2017.
“Dr. Deveny has done an outstanding job of transforming our culture,” said Anthony Lockhart, chair of the Summa Health Board of Directors. “As a graduate of Firestone High School and a longtime member of the Summa family, he clearly understands the communities we serve and the importance of a positive, thriving workplace environment. His collaborative style, coupled with his deep understanding of our vision for population health, makes him the perfect choice to serve during this vitally important time as we search for a potential partner and solidify our future.”
“Returning to Summa has been a gratifying experience and a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Deveny. “Working in partnership with the board of directors, Summa’s leadership team, the medical staff and our dedicated employees across the organization, we have made tremendous improvements in the delivery of care. This is a time of great opportunity and I look forward to continuing my work as president and CEO to ensure the very best care for the people of our community, now and well into the future.”
Dr. Deveny’s leadership also has resulted in many other successes. These include continued improvement in engagement with employees and physicians; innovative and meaningful approaches to those struggling with opioid addiction; increased treatment options for patients; ongoing investments and enhancements in the Barberton and Akron campuses; and a 4.5-star rating for SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage plans.
This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-10-26-18 Featured
Written by Jeanne Destro
This week, Chinese spies hacking US networks, laser weapons that can actually vaporize your skin, energy saving paint, smaller cell phones, and how smart speakers are getting even smarter.
***Please note: This show is now available as a podcast on Apple and Android devices. To find out how, follow these links: Apple, or Android
More...
The City of Akron has delayed the 2018 leaf pick up schedule by one week as a result of the extended warm weather and leaves falling later this year.
The printed leaf removal schedule that was included in October’s water bill shows the original dates and will now be delayed by one week. Residents may use any of their three annual free curb service bulk pick-ups for leaves if they choose to schedule for an earlier date. For early pick up, the leaves must be bagged.
Below are the new start dates for each Ward:
Ward 5 November 5
Ward 3 November 7
Ward 9 November 9
Ward 7 November 14
Ward 6 November 17
Ward 2 November 21
Ward 1 November 27
Ward 8 November 30
Ward 4 December 7
Ward 10 December 12
Leaf removal services are more efficient and economical to residents if the following guidelines are followed:
- Do not allow children to play in leaves on or near the street
- Do not place branches or any other debris in the street- only leaves
- Do not rake leaves into the street after leaves have been removed from your street or you will be subject to a fine
- Do not park vehicles on the street the day before your scheduled pick-up, until your leaves have been removed
- Do not park vehicles over leaves - heat from the underside of the vehicle may cause a fire
We remind residents not to rake leaves into the street until the day before scheduled leaf pickup. Each of the wards will take more than one day to complete. Leaves must be on the street by the dates listed – if they are not out, they may not get picked up. The City will make one round through each ward, and the schedule is subject to change in the event of adverse weather conditions. After one round of City-wide leaf removal has been completed, leaf crews will work to fulfill as many additional pick up requests as possible before winter. For more information, visit the City website or call 3-1-1 (375-2311).
APS, Bridgestone Americas Partnering for Pathways
Written by Ryan LangAkron Public Schools and Bridgestone Americas are teaming up to further advance the district's College and Career Academies program.
On October 30th, about 100 students at East Community Learning Center will be part of a new, hands-on experience working with top-of-the-line automotive technology at the new Automotive Training Center, thanks in part to the Firestone Complete Auto Care program.
Of the new venture, APS Superintendent David James says the new East CLC Automotive Training Center will offer a full-service Firestone Autocare center where students will "be learning about automotive technology, but also the retail side of a regular Firestone Autocare store. "They have a critical need for automotive technicians across the country," James says, "as their employee population begins to age (and near retirement)."
The East CLC Automotive Training Center will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30th.
1590 WAKR Student Athletes of the Week Ethan Wright and Audrey Dolan
Written by Aaron ColemanThis week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is junior football player Ethan Wright of Manchester High School.
Ethan says he got into football at an early age and loved the team aspect and the camaraderie of his teammates, some of whom he plays with today.
“I just love the game,” Ethan says. “I started playing in second grade, and have just loved it ever since.”
He plays for the Panthers and legendary coach Jim France, Ohio’s all time wins leader in high school.
France says Wright, who plays running back and safety at Manchester, is a team-first player despite a great deal of individual accomplishments.
“Ethan Wright is a quality young man who strives to get better as an athlete and human being each and every day,” France said.
On the field, even though he was a first team all state performer and a three year letterman, France explains that Ethan’s work ethic sets him apart.
“Ethan is a hard working and humble guy, he is team oriented and is a winner.”
Wright says the team success this year on the gridiron stems from the togetherness and brotherhood that has started since before the season began.
Ethan says that his work on the field translates to the classroom as well, saying it’s going to prepare him for college and beyond, taking pride in his work.
“You just got to work hard in the classroom, you have to have the right GPA or coaches won’t look at you,” he said.
Our next 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Audrey Dolan a junior soccer player from Manchester High School.
Audrey says the coaches and teammates are what keeps her going and looking forward to working with them day in and day out.
“It’s actually a lot of fun,” Dolan said. “It gets stressful when the games get hard, but it’s fun.”
Her coach Eddie Kissner says that Dolan’s work ethic in both the classroom with a 3.5 GPA and the soccer field is apparent to all.
“Audrey has improved so much as the season has progressed. Audrey works extremely hard as a forward pressuring backs to create turnovers,” he said.
“She has also become a great finisher scoring some of our biggest goals of the season.”
In addition to being on the soccer team, Dolan is also a member of the Ski Club and the Art Club.
When she’s not on the soccer field or staying on top of her studies, she volunteers at the Cuyahoga Falls Women’s Club.
“My grandma plays cards there and I cook and clean there a couple times a week,” she says.
Audrey says she enjoys her time there and she’s always picking up some good advice from the people at the Women’s Club.
We wish Ethan and Audrey the best in all of their future endeavors.