Amid fallout from Summa's decision to change ER doctor providers at the New Year, and following the resignation of Dr. Thomas Malone, the health system announced Friday that Dr. Cliff Deveny will take over as interim President and CEO, effective March 13, 2017. 

Dr. Deveny is a former senior leader at Summa, and according to a press release is "absolutely expected" to be among those considered to hold the position permanently. 

Most recently, Dr. Deveny comes to Summa from Locus Health in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he served as president. His focus was on software as a means to support population health efforts, according to a report from Crains. 

Summa Health has been the target of severe backlash and concern for patient care and effectiveness. Efforts are being made locally on behalf of the Summa Health Board of Directors and politicians, including Akron City Councilwoman Tara Mosely-Samples, among others. 

The Summa board says Dr. Deveny will hold the position while they take the next "three to six months" to find a permanent replacement. 

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and City Council President Marilyn Keith released a statement, saying, in part, "As community partners, we must commit to offering Dr. Deveny the support, confidence, and assistance he will need to lead this great institution through this transition and into its next chapter. It is our responsibility to be part of the solution. We have full confidence that if we roll up our sleeves and get to work, we can heal relationships, both internal to Summa and within the larger community. We look forward to working with Dr. Deveny to create new jobs, invest in our City, and improve the overall health and wellbeing of our residents.”

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro also reacting, calling the move "exciting and positive news for our county's largest employer."