Hattie Larlham recently announced the appointment of Stephen Colecchi as its interim leader. He will serve as a consultant while working toward becoming interim CEO.
He offers 30 years of leadership experience, primarily in the healthcare field. A lifetime resident of Northeast Ohio, he says he has a deep understanding of and appreciation for Hattie Larlham’s programs and services.
Hattie Larlham says its current executive leadership team will remain highly involved in the organization’s day-to-day operations.
“Steve is an experienced leader who is deeply committed to Hattie Larlham’s mission,” said Hattie Larlham Care Group Board of Directors President Michael Weinhardt.
“His understanding of the healthcare landscape, appreciation for the needs of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and his experience in
navigating change make him the right person to lead Hattie Larlham at this time in our
history.”
Previously, Colecchi served as president and chief executive officer of University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, formerly Robinson Memorial Hospital. In that role, he guided the hospital’s transition from county ownership to non-for-profit independent hospital to a member of the University Hospitals health system.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with Hattie Larlham’s leadership as we focus on ensuring
that high quality programs and services remain sustainable,” said Colecchi. “I am honored to be part of this organization, which has strong core of dedicated, caring employees and a long history of impacting the lives of people with intellectual developmental disabilities in meaningful and long-lasting ways.”
Initially, Colecchi will serve under contract as the executive consultant to Hattie Larlham. This arrangement ensures the presence of a leader with a strong background in organizational transition while the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities authorizes his appointment as Interim CEO.
Hattie’s is in a state of transition as the nonprofit announced earlier this summer it would be unable to continue operating its Food Hub in downtown Akron, along with closing its only remaining Hattie’s Cafe. Former CEO Wendy Pardee left her position last month.
Colecchi has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law. He and his wife Andrea reside in Kent.
