Leader of MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E.™ to Receive Nation’s Highest Honor for Federal Civil Service Executives

Susan Fuehrer, who leads MetroHealth’s Institute for H.O.P.E™​, this month will receive the highest honor that can be given to a federal civil service executive.

Fuehrer joined The MetroHealth System this summer after 34 years of leadership at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Her service will be honored with the Presidential Rank Award. The award is given to outstanding leaders who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

“Receiving our country’s highest honor of service is proof of what we at MetroHealth already know: There’s no better leader than Susan Fuehrer to lead our crusade to eliminate health disparities and make Northeast Ohio a healthier community for everyone,” said MetroHealth President and CEO Akram Boutros, MD, FACHE. “As the President of our Institute for H.O.P.E., Sue is leading our unique comprehensive effort to address the social determinants of health.”

Fuehrer rose through the ranks from unpaid intern to CEO of the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, where she served as CEO for a decade. Under her leadership, the VA in Northeast Ohio had significant accomplishments in patient care, research and education.

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System was one of the largest and best-performing VA healthcare systems, with more clinical centers of excellence and the longest-running five-star quality metric ranking in the VA, when Fuehrer retired this summer. She is a recognized trailblazer in the VA, where she made transparent, data-driven decisions on behalf of veterans, staff and taxpayers.

The Institute for H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Partnership and Empowerment) at The MetroHealth System is focused on fixing the root causes of health problems, by removing obstacles and engaging community partners so more people can access what they need to help them grow, succeed and be healthier. Fuehrer leads efforts to bring together neighborhood programs and resources, creating opportunities for everyone in the community to have a chance at a better future.

“It was my privilege to serve our nation’s heroes where I observed, every day, the price of freedom,” Fuehrer said. “I am humbled by the acknowledgement from President Trump and wish to recognize and thank everyone dedicated to making VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System one of the very best. Providing innovative, comprehensive quality care to veterans is a team sport and I am grateful to the many partners and stakeholders who work tirelessly and, most importantly, to the veterans and their families who trust VA with their health and well-being.”

The award will be presented Dec. 17 in Washington, D.C.