Negotiations between MetroHealth and fired CEO Airica Steed have stalled, lawyer says

Negotiations between The MetroHealth System and former CEO Aircia Steed may have reached a breaking point, according to their lawyers.

Steed, who was fired by MetroHealth’s board of trustees in August, claims she was unfairly fired and that the public firing damaged her career. Her legal team is seeking a separation agreement that offsets those damages, but negotiations have stalled, said F. Allen Boseman Jr., Steed’s attorney.

Boseman Jr. alleged that Steed did not receive payments owed to her by MetroHealth, including unused vacation and sick pay.

“We have always been willing to explore whether an amicable settlement with MetroHealth would be possible, but we are quickly losing confidence in this approach as to date, 60 days after their separation, she has still not received any payments due to her, according to the company policies,” said Boseman, Jr.

A MetroHealth spokesman said the board continues to negotiate in good faith with Steed about a separation agreement, adding: “MetroHealth does not negotiate through the news media.”

A defamation lawsuit against the health care system is not off the table, Boseman Jr. said, adding that national civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who joined Steed’s legal team in August, is still working with them on the case.

MetroHealth separated from Steed when she ended her medical leave. The board fired her without explanation, citing a lack of confidence in her leadership abilities.

“She has a 20-year career ahead of her,” said Boseman, Jr. “Prior to coming to MetroHealth, she had an excellent and impeccable reputation in the health care industry for 25 years.” A year and a half at MetroHealth wiped out a 25-year career made.”

A summary of Steed’s performance evaluation dated March 1, 2024, provided to MetroHealth in August, said Steed met or exceeded expectations in mission strategy, quality, safety and experience, financial management, and community and external relations, However, that it has fallen short of expectations in terms of effectiveness leadership of the management team and its relationship with the board and CEO.

Steed’s attorneys contended that the operational issues she raised at MetroHealth were the real reasons for her firing.

MetroHealth remains at odds with Steed’s predecessor, Akram Boutros. A local judge this week dismissed a lawsuit Boutros filed against MetroHealth’s board over his firing in 2022. His lawyer said they plan to appeal the decision.