A Message from Cliff Deveny, M.D., President and CEO, Summa Health 

Looking Ahead Together: Summa Health’s Next Chapter

October 29, 2025

When I returned to Summa Health in 2017, it was a time of uncertainty — both for our organization and our community. We faced financial and operational challenges, and we needed to rebuild trust and stability. I didn’t hesitate when asked to help, because Summa Health has always been more than a workplace for me. It’s part of who I am — and who we are as a community.

Like so many of you, I grew up here. I raised my family here. I’ve seen Akron through its own seasons of change — times of reinvention, growth, and challenge. What has always struck me about this community is its resilience. When faced with adversity, Akron rolls up its sleeves, works together, and finds a way forward. 

Since 2017, our team at Summa has worked tirelessly to stabilize the organization, strengthen our financial footing, expand access to care, improve quality and reemphasize our position as a forward-looking, trusted organization. Together, we navigated some of the most difficult years the healthcare industry has ever experienced. Through every challenge, we never lost sight of what matters most: delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients, members, and community. 

Today, Summa Health stands on solid ground. We are stronger financially, strategically, and culturally than we have been in many years. Our partnership with HATCo represents a bold investment in our future — one that will bring innovation, technology, and resources to help us grow and continue serving this region for generations to come.

That’s why, after thoughtful discussion with our Board of Directors and partners at HATCo, I will be transitioning into a new role as CEO Emeritus and Strategic Advisor, effective January 1. This decision wasn’t made lightly — nor was it made alone. It was made together and reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Summa Health’s long-term vitality, preparing for the future and embracing the importance of thoughtful succession planning, which is critical for any long-standing organization to withstand the test of time. 

Let me be clear: as part of this transition, I remain deeply committed to this organization, our people, and the communities we serve. In this new capacity, I will continue to be actively engaged and present through 2026 – advising our leadership team, supporting our transformation and integration work, and maintaining strong relationships with our medical staff and community. I’ll also play an active role in helping to identify and support our next president and CEO.

Change, even when it’s positive, can bring uncertainty. I understand that. But I want the people of our community and everyone who depends on Summa Health to know this transition is about continuity, not departure. It’s about positioning our organization — your organization — for the next generation of success.

When I look at Summa Health today, I see the same qualities that define Akron: resilience, hardworking, compassionate, and forward-looking. We’ve come a long way together, and I have every confidence that our best days are still ahead.

To our employees, our physicians, our patients, our members, and our neighbors — thank you for your trust, your commitment, and your partnership. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve you and to lead this remarkable organization. I’m excited to continue to fulfill its mission in this next chapter, and to watch Summa Health — and Akron — continue to thrive.

THE NEXT CHAPTER FOR SUMMA HEALTH

After a thoughtful, diligent and collaborative process, Summa Health and General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Company (HATCo) have completed our transaction, marking the official beginning of our long-term vision to deliver a more proactive, accessible and affordable system of community-based, lifelong health care.

Being part of HATCo will help make Summa Health more agile, resilient, innovative, and connected to the Akron community. Though the structure and model of Summa Health are changing, our priorities are not: 

• We will continue to expand access to care and drive strategic growth that ensures we remain a trusted health partner in Greater Akron and beyond, while maintaining our charity care policy, community benefit and essential services.
• Together, we will create a more seamless, compassionate and reliable care journey that meets patients where they are today and fosters a more connected experience. 
• We will prioritize the professional futures of and continued investment in our employees and medical staff, with simpler workflows, smarter technology, and support to grow and thrive.

The significant investment that HATCo is making into Summa Health will empower us to build upon our existing strengths and capabilities while also benefiting from new opportunities and technology that will enable strategic, transformative initiatives and innovation.

Our immediate focus is on achieving organizational stability, including transitioning to a for-profit structure, strengthening operations and making targeted investments that ensure patients continue to receive consistent, reliable care and support our dedicated staff.

The net proceeds received from the transaction will fund the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron to support focused investment to benefit community health in the Greater Akron region. The foundation will be governed separately from both Summa Health and HATCo and will invest in expanding access to healthcare and driving long-term improvements across our community.

Together, we are creating a next-generation health system – one that honors our legacy and embraces our future as  a leader driving broader healthcare transformation in Greater Akron and beyond. 

Thank you for your continued trust in and support of Summa Health. 

Sincerely,
Cliff Deveny, M.D., President and CEO, Summa Health 
Daryl Tol, President, HATCo

Summa Health/HATCo Journey

HATCo's Commitment is Significant — and Long Term