Parma Community General Hospital announced today that President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patricia A. Ruflin will retire mid-summer, and that its board of directors has named Terry Deis, current chief operating officer, to succeed her as the new President & CEO.

Ruflin has served as President & CEO of the hospital since November 2003.  She joined Parma Hospital in 1993 and has held the positions of vice president of quality, chief nursing officer, chief operating officer and executive vice president.

“I’ve been honored to serve the members of the community in meeting their health care needs, and to lead a very talented group of people who are committed to that personalized care experience for which Parma Hospital is known,” said Ruflin. “I am also very enthusiastic that Terry Deis will succeed me as CEO. He is the right person at the right time for this organization. Maintaining internal continuity at the leadership level will assure a smooth transition.”

Kent Geist, chairman of the board of directors of Parma Community General Hospital, commended Ruflin for a job well done. “Mrs. Ruflin has done an extraordinary job of successfully guiding the hospital through a challenging healthcare environment,” said Geist. “The board thanks her for a job well done and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellent leadership with Mr. Deis.”

With Ruflin at the helm as CEO, Parma Hospital has been recognized for having the fastest heart attack care in Northeast Ohio, has implemented an Emergency Department physician-staffed triage program known as “Doc at the Door,” and has been honored as one of the 20 Best Community Hospitals in America.  

Deis has nearly 20 years of health care experience, 11 of those at Parma Hospital and four as the COO. He is known for his team-building approach and for implementing initiatives that enhance quality, productivity and patient satisfaction.  Previous positions include vice president of general services and chief information officer. Prior to joining Parma Hospital, Deis served eight years at Southwest General Health Center.  He is a member of the Parma Rotary. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University, an MBA from Cleveland State University, and is a CPA.