Columbus Regional chooses new leader for health system

Columbus Regional Health has finished its search for a new leader for the health system.

CRH is announcing that Andy Guz will take over as the hospital’s president and chief executive officer effective July 1st. He will take over the role being filled by Jim Bickel, who returned to the hospital last year.

Guz most recently served as CEO of Manatee Health and Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Florida. That health system includes a 300-bed acute care hospital, an emergency department, imaging center, physician practices and home health services.

Guz earned a Master of Health Administration from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University.

Guz said in a statement that CRH “has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and community commitment” and that he looks “forward to partnering with physicians, employees, board members, and community leaders to continue advancing that mission.”

Guz and his wife, Tami, have two daughters.

Retired former leader Bickel returned to the role as interim president and chief executive officer in August after the sudden departure of his successor, Steve Baker.

In January, hospital officials announced the start of a nationwide search for a new leader. Don Michael, chair of the Columbus Regional Health Board of Trustees said that after that search, “It was clear that Andy is the right leader to guide our organization forward.”