After nearly 34 years with Columbus Regional Health, President and CEO Jim Bickel has announced his intention to retire from the company in 2025.
CRH expresses its sincere gratitude to Jim Bickel for his many years as President and CEO and the many contributions and milestones he has achieved during that time.
“Jim has had an exemplary career at Columbus Regional Health, serving in a variety of leadership roles but most importantly leading the organization as president and CEO since 2007, where he garnered acclaim for new building projects and expansions, consolidated and expanded outpatient and primary care services and shepherded the incredible community asset that is Nexus Park,” said Donald Michael, chairman of the CRH Board of Directors.
“Jim’s steady, supportive and transparent leadership has helped CRH navigate some of the most complex and ever-changing challenges of the 2008 floods and COVID-19. On behalf of my fellow board members and the entire organization, I am incredibly grateful to Jim for his outstanding leadership.”
With this announcement, the Columbus Regional Health Board has initiated succession planning to separate the roles of president and CEO of Columbus Regional Health, effective August 1, 2024. Jim Bickel will continue to serve as CEO, and the board is pleased to announce that current Chief Operating Officer, Steve Baker, will assume the role of president in addition to his duties as chief operating officer. As CEO, Jim Bickel will focus on strategic and long-term initiatives for Columbus Regional Health, while as president and chief operating officer, Steve Baker will oversee the day-to-day operations of Columbus Regional Health.
CRH is pleased to welcome Steve Baker into this important role and to support and congratulate Jim Bickel as he transitions into a more strategic role.
