After a brief tenure as chief of the Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC), Jerald C. Newman last week resigned from the position.

The board of directors of NHCC announced Newman's resignation as president/CEO on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and the appointment of Richard Turan as an interim replacement the following day.

The Nassau Health Care Corporation is a public benefit corporation that was created from the transfer of the Nassau University Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, and six community health centers from Nassau County. The county had transferred ownership of the health facilities last year to save operating costs in light of the ongoing municipal fiscal crisis. During his presidency, Newman oversaw the transition of the hospital, nursing home and clinics from a county agency to a public benefit corporation. The facilities have traditionally served a large number of local residents, particularly the medical center, which is located in East Meadow.

"The board thanks Newman for his many years of service to the health care system and for overseeing the transition of the hospital, nursing home and community health centers from a county agency to a public benefit corporation," stated the NHCC announcement regarding the resignation.

The official announcement came amid media reports that the board pushed Newman out of the position, due to alleged opinions he was not effective enough as leader of the institution. Yet, Newman issued the following statement regarding his resignation: "I am proud and honored to have been able to play a leadership role in reinventing the institution to meet the challenges of today's healthcare industry. Nassau University Medical Center has gone through an historic chapter during my tenure, and it is through an alliance with the board, the professional staff, the support staff, and the executive team that we were able to realize our goals. I wish my successor the best of luck. He is inheriting the finest team in healthcare on Long Island."

Turan, Newman's interim replacement, served most recently as president/CEO of the Long Island Forum for Technology (LIFT), a not-for-profit economic development agency that provides consulting and other services to support Long Island manufacturing and technology companies. Previously, he was president of Briarcliffe College. He also brings to the position three years experience as counsel and chief staff member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Health, a role he played during the early 1970s.

Turan joined Briarcliffe in 1979, as chief administrative officer of a branch campus. He ultimately became president of the entire college. The school, which has a focus on careers in technology, has campuses in Bethpage and Patchogue, and more than 2,000 students enrolled in associate, baccalaureate, and certificate programs. During his presidency, Turan saw the school become accredited as a college, established the Patchogue campus, expanded curriculum, and in 1992 purchased all of the assets of the Grumman Corporation's Data Systems Institute in Woodbury. Another accomplishment of his tenure came in 1996, when he negotiated the purchase of a one-quarter million square foot building in Bethpage on behalf of the college from Northrop Grumman Corporation. He also founded a software incubator in that building.

In accepting his appointment as head of NHCC, Turan stated, "I am looking forward to the challenge. The facility has been on the cutting edge of many of the profound changes that are taking place throughout the health care field. Its role has never been questioned, and its need remains critical to the well-being of the region. I am honored to be able to work with a dedicated group of employees and volunteers who are committed to serving all the people of this region."

Commenting on the appointment, NHCC Board of Directors President Bobby Kumar stated, "Mr. Turan enjoys the confidence of the board in his ability to move our institution forward at this important chapter in the history of the Nassau University Medical Center. He has extensive experience in administration, business education, and health, and in dealing with large organizations which require innovative management and fiscal stability. This individual is someone who will place a priority on the historical missions of our health care system and who understands the diverse populations that we serve."

As Turan fills the role of interim president, a search committee headed by Kumar is in the process of completing a review for a permanent replacement.