Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Hennepin Healthcare has undergone another leadership change, marking the resignation of its second co-administrator in just one week.

The hospital board convened for a special meeting Tuesday, during which county commissioners accepted the resignation of acting administrator David J. Hough and appointed Dr. John Cumming as the CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, effective April 10.

 Dr. J. Kevin Croston, who stepped down a week prior.

Dr. Cumming is a seasoned health care executive who previously worked as a trauma surgeon at Hennepin Healthcare for a decade and served as interim CEO from 2019 to 2020.

A spokesperson for Hennepin Healthcare said in a statement that Cumming has been tasked with leading the organization while the Board searches for a long-term, permanent CEO. His focus will include financial stabilization, strong employee retention and improved access to care.

“Dr. Cumming has led this organization before and understands what it takes to deliver exceptional care in a complex safety-net system,” said Board Chair Jeffrey Lunde.

Hennepin Healthcare said in a statement that it is reestablishing leadership for the state's largest safety-net health system during a 

. This decision comes as state and local partners seek legislative approval to repurpose existing Hennepin County sales tax revenue to cover costs associated with Hennepin Healthcare and HCMC, with the goal of achieving long-term financial stability. The sales tax currently serves to pay off the bonds for Target Field’s construction debt, which is expected to be settled by 2027.

Hennepin Healthcare operates HCMC, an adult and pediatric trauma center and teaching hospital.

Health

NewsPartners

Homepage

Minnesota News

Minneapolis News

Erica Zurek

Author

The hospital board appointed Dr. John Cumming as the CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, effective April 10.

Hennepin Healthcare appoints former interim CEO amid rapid leadership shakeups

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox