The president and CEO of Rush University System for Health, Dr. Omar Lateef, plans to retire from his post, the system announced Thursday morning.
Lateef, who has served as system CEO since 2022, plans to step down in June 2027. Lateef intends to return to clinical practice and expand his work in community and public health.
The Rush Board of Directors will launch a national search for a new leader in the fall, according to the system.
Lateef’s relationship with Rush goes back nearly 25 years. He completed his fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine in 2005 before joining the faculty.
Lateef was appointed president and CEO of Rush University Medical Center in 2019, and then added to his title president of the system in 2021 and CEO of the system in 2022.
“Just months after I stepped into this role, we faced the most significant healthcare crisis of our generation,” Lateef wrote in a note to Rush employees. “Together, we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with courage, resilience and compassion.”
Rush includes Rush University Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora and Rush Oak Park Hospital.
“Omar’s career at Rush exemplifies extraordinary dedication to our mission and our patients,” said William Downe, chair of the system’s board of directors, in a news release. “… We are grateful for his many contributions and for his decision to provide significant advance notice of his retirement, allowing for a deliberate and thoughtful transition process.”
