Atrium Health has named Delvecchio S. Finley the next president and CEO of Atrium Health Navicent, which is the central and south Georgia safety-net hub for the system. Finley is expected to assume his new role on Feb. 2021. Atrium is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. but Finley will be based out of Macon, Georgia.
Finley most recently was CEO of Oakland, California-based Alameda Health System for the past five years. He has been recognized on Modern Healthcare's Minority Leaders list twice.
"Delivering on our mission has never been more important than during these unprecedented times, and I am excited about the fresh perspective and depth of experience Mr. Finley is bringing to our team," said Woods. "As a nationally recognized leader in the healthcare field with a passion for caring for underserved, vulnerable populations and for rural communities, we are looking forward to him joining us as we continue to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all."
In a press release announcing the hire, Atrium touted Finley's ability to turnaround Alameda Health System in his first year, reversing a $60 million operating loss and achieving a $27 million gain. He also oversaw construction of a $668 million acute care tower. Former colleagues lauded Finley's accomplishments, including garnering Level 1 Trauma Center Status for one of the system's hospitals and implementing Epic to allow coordination with community partners.
"I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to join and lead Atrium Health Navicent and further its traditions of providing high-quality care for the community, while being part of Atrium Health, one of the nation's leading health systems," said Finley in a statement. "The 'for all' mission and approach to compassionate care resonates deeply with me, and I cannot wait to get started."
Atrium called Finley "the quintessential success story."
"Raised in public housing in Atlanta, he saw healthcare as a pathway to serving others and promoting equity for disadvantaged communities," the health system said.
Finley's tenure at Alameda ended with much criticism over hospital management, according to local reports. In October, 3,000 staffers went on a five-day strike over pay and vacation time and what protesters said were inadequate protections against COVID-19. County supervisors have since removed two of nine volunteer board members.
