Michael J. Funk

Michael Funk 1309 Sheldon Rd.Grand Haven, MI 49417Phone: (616) 842-3600Fax: (616) 847-5535

We've worked for 2 1/2 years to develop and finally prepare this facility to improve health care in the community and it will be great , said NOCH President Michael Funk.This will be a new way to approach health care in this community..

In the past few years , the hospital has seen its local market share decline and its financial health take severe hits.NOCH reported a $3 million operating loss in its 1998 fiscal year and another $1 million loss in 1999.It has rebounded the past two fiscal years to show a little profit , and Funk said its share of the local health delivery market has stabilized.

Relations between the hospital administration and Horizon's doctors became strained a few years ago , culminating in the doctors preparing to build a new office complex away from NOCH on Robbins Road.The relationship has since been mended and NOCH purchased the Robbins Road property , which has a pending buyer reportedly for a commercial project.

NOCH and Horizon officials see the new medical center as a symbol of their new unity.They came together to break ground for the center's construction on Nov. 1 , 1999.

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Funk said 85 percent of the new medical center is already leased , although not all of it will be in operation until early next year.

The center is three stories high , with a full garden level basement , and 74 , 000 gross square feet.It is connected to the hospital's southern wing by a corridor.

Shoreline Ophthalmology , on the center's first floor , was to welcome its first patients today as the first office to open.
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Funk said NOCH officials are currently preparing the documentation for that project , which will likely begin in January.

The Grand Haven hospital was founded in 1919.It is currently an 81-bed acute care facility operated by the North Ottawa Community Health System , which was established last year.Besides the hospital , NOCHS affiliates include the North Ottawa Care Center , MED 1 office in Grand Haven , Hospice of North Ottawa Community and In-Home Care.

The hospital campus at 1309 Sheldon Road is currently landlocked in a residential neighborhood , explained Michael Funk , the president and chief executive officer of NOCH.
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Funk said the hospital plans to continue leasing the South Shore Plaza to businesses for the next five years or more.The intent in purchasing the plaza now , Funk explained , was to hold it as an investment.

We may not need it for several years , Funk said.This property will not only ensure our ability to expand in the future , but in the meantime , allow for continued property tax revenue for the city and retail use for the community.Ultimately , this is an investment in the Grand Haven community to ensure we continue to meet its health care needs far into the future..

A firm will be hired , Funk added , to manage the property for NOCH.He said several property management firms have been interviewed , including IPA , but a decision has not yet been made.

Because the hospital cannot expand any further on its current site , a need to grow in the future was the objective behind the acquisition , Funk said.The shopping plaza is a much better site for expanding the hospital's and doctors' services than the Robbins Road property , he added.

The Beacon site is perfect for potential outpatient services or other needs the hospital might have in the future , said NOCHS Board Chair Ted Poulton.Beacon Boulevard is close to the hospital , centrally located and has ample parking that is easily accessible..

At the time , NOCHS President Michael Funk blamed the job cuts on general financial pressures plaguing the health care industry.

Last year , the organization formed an advisory board that is charged with determining the need for fund-raising activities , setting fiscal goals related to fund raising and assistance in allocating solicited funds.

Payne, 54, has been serving as the hospital's interim CEO since Michael Funk was forced to resign in February.
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The surprise removal of Funk was explained by the board as a need to change the administrator position's "skill set from a 'fix it' job description to a 'strategic positioning' function."

Funk had been the CEO at NOCH since August 1998 and led the private, non-profit hospital out of mounting red ink.He was hired this summer to head Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Ind.

The search for Funk's replacement took six months to complete.A board-appointed search committee reviewed over 150 resumes and conducted six preliminary interviews before recommending two final candidates for the board and medical staff to interview.

"All during the process, Mike (Payne) stood out as a leading candidate," Zoet said."He has over 25 years of progressive leadership experience with proven skills in strategic planning, marketing, operations and financial management."

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The Payne's first grandchild, Michael, was born in September to Matthew and daughter-in-law Christine.

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Michael Funk

CEO , North Ottawa Community Hospital , Grand Haven , Mich.

The hospital's reason for being is to provide services to the.community , so you don't have a choice , you must provide care for.this woman.On the other hand , I have a responsibility to the.community not to blow resources when we don't have to.While providing.

Michael J. Funk, M.S. (HCA), President/CEO, North Ottawa Community Health System, Grand Haven, Mich.; mfunk@noch.org

,The new relationship reinforces Dukes, commitment to meet health care needs of Miami County today and tomorrow,, said Mike Funk, CEO of Dukes Memorial Hospital.

Grand Haven - The North Ottawa Community Health System (NOCHS) Board of Trustees announced today that Michael J. Funk has announced his departure as President and CEO of NOCHS.

"Mike is leaving the health system after three-plus years of leadership," said NOCHS Board Chairman Ted Poulton.
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Funk was hired for his specific experience in turning around finacially troubled organizations, fostering positive physician-hospital relations and creating a high quality service mix.He helped build an infrastructure and laid the groundwork for NOCHS future growth.

"Mike's tenure in our community came at a very important time," Poulton said.
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"It was discussed with Mike and mutually agreed that his strengths do not lie in that area.Therefore, Mike submitted his resignation effective today," said Poulton.
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"I have complete confidence in the leadership of NOCHS' management team," said Funk, "as well as in the staff of the hospital to continue the progress the system has experienced in recent years.
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According to NOCH CEO, Michael Funk, "The main entrance was closed due to the construction of Harbor Dunes Health Center.