Jackson, Michigan - Retiring President & CEO Georgia Fojtasek, RN, EdD, was granted the distinction of “President Emeritus” status by resolution of the Henry Ford Allegiance Health Board. The emeritus title is awarded to the few who are worthy of retaining the honorary title due to distinguished service. Fojtasek served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Health System from 1994 to 2019, and previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1989 to 1994.

Henry Ford Allegiance Health Board of Trustees Chair Tim Levy said, “Over her thirty years of unwavering service and community centered leadership, Georgia played a significant role in transitioning a small community hospital into a century-strong, award-winning, high-quality, seven-county regional presence.”

Fojtasek was fully engaged with the Board in spearheading partnership discussions leading to the successful affiliation with Henry Ford Health System, and she brought substantial clinical innovation and advancements during her tenure, including:
Cancer care. Radiation oncology services were added to the existing medical oncology services.
Cardiac care. Lifesaving open-heart surgery has been available locally for more than a decade.
Surgical advancements. Minimally invasive surgeries are performed using robotic surgical systems, navigation platforms and neuromonitoring systems.
Teaching hospital. The Graduate Medical Education program and the Center for Health Innovation & Education work to advance the skills of medical professionals.
Private rooms. The new “West Tower” optimizes patient centered care and enhances healing.
Health Improvement Organization (HIO). The HIO innovatively addresses wellness and prevention through community partnerships and care coordination.
Trauma verification. Designation as a Level II Trauma Center allows the local provision of comprehensive care for severely injured patients.
Epic Electronic Medical Record. The new electronic medical record facilitates a coordinated continuity of care and offers enhanced security to protect health information.
Expanded services. Local access to a broad range of services are now available, including dermatology, plastic surgery, podiatry, urology, bariatrics, neurosurgery and sports medicine, as well as multiple locations for primary care, diagnostics and walk-in services.
Fojtasek’s new title of President Emeritus will take effect on August 1, 2019, immediately following her official retirement date.

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