CRH leader Baker leaves; former executive Bickel returns
Note: This story has been updated
Columbus Regional Health is announcing that Steve Baker is out as president and CEO of the health system, effective immediately.
Retired former leader Jim Bickel has returned to the role as interim president and chief executive officer.
That comes less than six months after Baker took over the president and CEO duties from Bickel after a year-long transition plan. Baker first took over as president last summer, and then with Bickel’s March 31st retirement as CEO, Baker added that role also.
Previously, Baker had been with Columbus Regional Health for 20 years, serving in various roles, including Chief Information and Technology Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Operating Officer.
Don Michael, chair of the CRH Board of Trustees said in a statement that the board is confident in the future of the hospital system and are committed to a smooth transition. He said that Bickel “will provide a stable foundation to fulfill this organization’s commitment to the community we serve, and our mission as a local, independent healthcare system.”
Bickel will serve in the Interim role through for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. The board will be finalizing its plans to fill the chief executive and president role.
Bickel returns to the hospital after 35 years with the health system. He took over as president and CEO in 2007.
Through a statement, Bickel said that wanted to “reinforce my personal commitment to upholding Columbus Regional Health’s mission, vision, values and culture.”
Columbus Regional Health press release:
Columbus Regional Health announced today that Mr. Steve Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer is no longer with the organization, effective immediately. Former Columbus Regional Health President & CEO Jim Bickel has returned from retirement and assumed the role of Interim President & Chief Executive Officer.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are confident in the future of Columbus Regional Health and are committed to a smooth transition,” said CRH Board Chair, Don Michael. “With his many proven years of exceptional leadership and dedication to CRH and his continued ties to the organization, Jim Bickel with the support of the Board and Senior Leadership, will provide a stable foundation to fulfill this organization’s commitment to the community we serve, and our mission as a local, independent healthcare system.”
Jim Bickel will serve in the Interim role through for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, as needed, while the Columbus Regional Health Board of Trustees finalizes the plan to fill the role of President and Chief Executive Officer role.
“First and foremost, I want reinforce my personal commitment to upholding Columbus Regional Health’s mission, vision, values and culture,” said Jim Bickel, Columbus Regional Health Interim President and CEO. “I have served CRH proudly for 35 years and can personally attest to the positive impact our workforce and the culture within this organization has on the patients and the community we serve. I look forward to leading and supporting this great organization during this time of transition.”
Photo: File photo of Steve Baker and Jim Bickel. Photo courtesy of Columbus Regional Health.