Neither St. Luke’s nor CHI had given a reason for the sudden resignation, which was intended to be effective Aug. 31. The health system stated it planned to name interim leadership in the two weeks following Mr. Covert’s resignation.
However, the health system has not yet named an interim leader, and now Mr. Covert plans to stay on as CEO as well as continue to oversee CHI’s Texas division, which includes St. Luke’s in Houston, St. Joseph Health in Bryan and St. Luke’s Health-Memorial in Lufkin.
The Houston Chronicle notes Mr. Covert’s resignation “was widely seen as CHI’s response to the Texas division’s market struggles, particularly in Houston.” The division cut 1,295 jobs within the last year.
Additionally, Jenny Barnett-Sarpalius, senior vice president and CFO of CHI St. Luke’s, resigned one week after Mr. Covert’s departure was announced.
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