ProMedica Coldwater brings back retired president pending sale
COLDWATER — ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital will bring back retired president Dan Schwanke after current site administrator and president Alan Sattler announced his decision to retire.
ProMedica Health System said the change in leadership is effective immediately.
Sattler became hospital president in July 2022 after Schwanke announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2022.
Schwanke expects to serve only a short time. The company stated in a press release, “ProMedica remains committed to ensuring that the transition planning and sale of the hospital to American Healthcare Systems remains on track.”
For-profit Glendale, California-based American Healthcare Systems made an offer accepted by the Toledo-based health system. The sale is pending an opinion by Michigan’s attorney general, which could come as soon as September.
ProMedica took over CHC on Jan. 1, 2018.
Prior story ProMedica committed to Coldwater until a sale is completed
One issue is that ProMedica assumed the remainder of the $9 million hospital renovation bond as part of the $17 million sale. The attorney general must be assured the county is held harmless and the bonds paid off.
Another question concerns monies raised by the local hospital foundation for support of the local hospital. Government leaders want to make sure they remain for local health care support.
ProMedica Health had put the hospital up for sale before COVID-19.
ProMedica Health began actively looking again for a buyer after local losses of over $12 million in 2022. ProMedica Health reported companywide losses in 2022 of nearly $400 million.
Schwanke previously served as president at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital starting in 2020 until he retired.
In its announcement, ProMedica stated, “With his solid understanding of the hospital, staff, and community, he is expected to seamlessly assume responsibility for the hospital’s daily operations and transition plan.”
Both men are longtime employees of ProMedica.
Sattler served in various leadership roles throughout ProMedica for 38 years. The company said, “He has been an integral part of the organization’s success. Many leaders have benefited from his leadership and friendship, including ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital leaders.”
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“We thank Alan for his significant contributions to helping improve health and well-being in the communities we serve and wish him the best in his retirement,” said Dawn Buskey, president of ProMedica Acute Care.
Buskey added, “We are excited that Dan has returned to provide strong, consistent leadership in Coldwater as we work toward a hospital transition that is in the best interest of the community.”
---Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: ProMedica Coldwater brings back retired president pending sale
