“I’ve had a lot of calls over the past year about opportunities, but this was the right call and the right timing for me,” Ezick said in a statement. “Chicago Sinai is where I want to be.”

Board-certified internist and pediatrician Ezike succeeds Karen Teitelbaum, Announce She was leaving last fall. At the time, Sinai said a nationwide search was underway, and the board was working closely with search firm Spencer Stuart to find the next CEO. Sinai had hoped to have someone in the position by the end of 2021.

To help guide a smooth transition, Teitelbaum will become the hospital system’s senior executive advisor, according to an internal memo obtained by Crain’s. Teitelbaum has led a successful transformation of the hospital’s financial, philanthropic and operational performance during her tenure.

Ezike, who joined IDPH in 2019 as its first black female leader, was the face of the Pritzker administration’s pandemic response, helping the governor explain COVID-19 to Illinoisans and develop virus mitigation policies.

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Prior to IDPH, Ezike was the medical director of the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and the attending physician at the Cook County Health Department.

Ezike holds degrees from Harvard University and UC San Diego School of Medicine.

“[Ezike] A strong, trusted and respected leader who made a real difference to the lives of many as the statewide response to the worst pandemic the world has seen in more than a century,” Sinai “After an extensive selection process, we trust Dr. Ezike’s vision and dedication to lead Sinai Chicago into the next century of service,” Chicago Board Chairman Vincent R. Williams said in a statement. “

The Chicago Sinai service area covers more than 1.5 million people west and southwest of Chicago.Its facilities include Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, and a network of community clinics. The system employs more than 3,200 workers and also operates the Sinai Community Institute and the Sinai Urban Health Institute.

This story first appeared in our sister publication, Crane’s Chicago business.