High-level Columbus Regional executive no longer with the health-care provider

A Columbus Regional Health spokesman confirmed late Tuesday that the organization has “ended its employment relationship” with Ryan Chandler, the executive who oversaw operations at Midtown Medical Center and Northside Medical Center.

Columbus Regional’s response came to questions earlier in the day by the Ledger-Enquirer about Chandler’s employment status.

“Ryan played a significant role in our success over the last five years,” the brief statement from spokesman Joel Ames read. “We are grateful for his professional contributions and wish him success in future endeavors.”

There were no additional details from the city’s largest health-care provider about Chandler’s departure. Columbus Regional employees were notified Tuesday of Chandler’s departure through an internal memo.

Chandler was named the new leader the Medical Center, which has since changed its name to Midtown Medical, in May 2012.

Prior to coming to Columbus, Chandler was an executive with Firelands Regional Healthcare System in northern Ohio. He followed his former boss, Charles “Chuck” Stark to Columbus. Stark, who left as President and CEO of Columbus Regional in June 2014, had previously been the CEO at Firelands Regional.

Chandler replaced longtime Medical Center and Columbus Regional executive Lance Duke, who stepped down in April 2012 after nearly two decades in various positions with the health-care provider.

Chandler was promoted in May 2016 to lead Columbus Regional’s Hospital Operations division. In his role, he was was over the operations of both Midtown Medical Center and Northside Medical Center.

The move comes as Columbus Regional is moving toward a possible deal to become part of the Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare. The two providers signed a letter of intent, initiating an exclusive negotiation period between the two organizations in May. That deal has not been finalized.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 6:11 PM with the headline "High-level Columbus Regional executive no longer with the health-care provider."