New Leaders, Chair Named to The Center for Health Affairs’ Community Health Affairs Board of Directors

The Center for Health Affairs is happy to announce the appointment of two new members to its Community Health Affairs Board of Directors. In addition, Susan Fuehrer, president of The MetroHealth System’s Institute for H.O.P.E., has been named chair, replacing Al Matyas, vice president of ambulatory operations and business development for Southwest General Health Center, who led the board since 2018.

Comprised of hospital, academic and community leaders in Northeast Ohio, the Community Health Affairs Board supports the organization in addressing healthcare needs and issues to improve health and wellness throughout the community.

Serving on the Community Health Affairs Board of Directors through Dec. 31, 2023, are:

• Shannon Fogarty Jerse, deputy general counsel, chief compliance officer, Sisters of Charity Health System
• Claude L. Jones, DO, MPH, MSc, president & chief executive officer, Care Alliance Health Center

“I am delighted to welcome these two distinguished leaders to our board,” said Fuehrer. “The wealth of knowledge and experience they bring to the table will be valuable to our collaborative work aimed at serving our community.”

The Community Health Affairs Board of Directors governs the 501(c)(6) Ohio nonprofit corporation and subsidiary of The Center for Health Affairs. The diversity of organizations represented on the board signifies the scope of factors comprising social determinants of health and illuminated through the collaborative community health needs assessments as well as HealthyNEO.org.

“Our team welcomes and thanks Shannon and Claude for stepping up to serve our board, and we are pleased to introduce Susan as our new chair,” said Brian Lane, president & CEO of The Center for Health Affairs. “I’m always impressed by the dedication and excellence of the leaders throughout our community. We’re delighted that Shannon, Claude and Susan have agreed to give their time and expertise to serve in these leadership capacities and support the critical work of our member hospitals and their partners who are focused on impacting the health of our community.”

About The Center for Health Affairs

With a rich history as the nation’s first regional hospital association and a mission to impact medical, social and economic health and well-being, The Center for Health Affairs convenes 37 hospital and healthcare organizations along with community partners across 10 counties in Northeast Ohio. With a dedicated and consistent history dating back over 100 years, The Center aims to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare community and the health of the communities it serves by providing expertise, resources and solutions to address the challenges currently being faced by the region’s healthcare providers. The Center’s efforts focus on areas in which hospitals and their communities can benefit from a regional approach, including emergency preparedness; behavioral health; public policy and advocacy; finance and reimbursement; and social determinants of health. Through its business affiliates, CHAMPS Group Purchasing and The Essentials Group, The Center provides a broad level of professional services to its members. For more, visit neohospitals.org.