News Staff Report
Stephen Fischer, who joined Escambia County Health care Authority as its Chief Financial Officer in February 2020, has been appointed as the authority’s Interim Chief Executive Officer.
As CFO, Fischer had the overall responsibility for all the Authority’s operating entities: Atmore Community Hospital, including its clinics and home health agency; D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and its clinics, D.W. McMillan EMS and D.W. McMillan Home Medical Equipment.
Fischer replaces Jeff Booth, who resigned suddenly two weeks ago.
In a press release issued by ECHCA last week, Chair Debbie Rowell said the Fischer’s choice, though not yet permanent, was a good one that will more than adequately fill the healthcare authority’s immediate needs.
“The board believes Stephen will be a great fit and will provide ongoing transitional support to the Authority’s over-500 employees in Escambia County,” Rowell said. “Stephen will continue to serve in the interim capacity while the board conducts a search for a permanent CEO.”
Fischer has served in a number of senior leadership capacities over the past several years. He began working with ECHCA in April 2019 as a financial consultant-interim CFO and was appointed CFO in February 2020.
The incoming interim CEO’s familiarity with ECHCA’s current leadership team will allow him to integrate quickly. Fischer earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Ball State University and a Master of Health Sciences from Webster University.
He has about 30 years of experience in both healthcare finance and healthcare administration and has held numerous positions at hospitals and healthcare systems in Kentucky, North Carolina, Illinois, Florida, Mississippi and Indiana.
Among the positions he held during that time include Division Director of Finance, Associate VP of Finance, Regional Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer.