Mercy Health – Lorain’s Market President Ed Oley has announced his plans to retire in 2022.
Oley has served in the role for 14 years but actually was an integral part of the market for 43 years, since he originally joined the organization as a pharmacist, according to a news release from Mercy Health.
During his time at the helm, Oley has helped pave the way for major partnerships with both the OSU James Cancer Network and Akron Children’s Hospital as a way to expand access to health care for those living in the Lorain community, the release said.
He leaves the market with a legacy of growth that includes the opening of new facilities in Wellington, Oberlin, Avon and Oak Point in Lorain as well as the development of a new facility in Sheffield Village that currently is under construction.
“Ed’s tenure and contributions to the ministry have earned him a place as one of our most notable leaders,” said Brian Smith, Core Operations president and chief operating officer for Bon Secours Mercy Health. “His dedication to the Lorain community, to building the physician network and expanding specialty services will leave a lasting legacy.”
Oley has been recognized by organizations such as the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission.
He’s also received the Leadership Lorain County Eric Nord Award for his exemplary leadership, the release said.
That leadership made Mercy Health – Lorain a 10-time winner of the Northcoast 99 award for being one of the great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio.
Even Oley himself admits it was a hard decision to finally hang up his hat.
“I have long told myself that when the day came that I woke up and my leadership position at Mercy Health was not fulfilling, that would be the day that I would ultimately retire,” he said. “Well, the truth is as the days became years, I learned that that my criteria to retire would never allow my retirement to happen.
“I love what I do, and I feel like I have the best job in the world.”
Oley finally decided to step down from his role in hopes of spending more time with his family, the release said.
Oley’s last day is Jan. 1.
Mercy Health leaders are now developing a plan, to include the naming of a new leader, that will ensure a smooth leadership transition for the market, the release said.