Michigan Hospital CEO Takes Leave to Focus on Personal Health

Interim leadership to ensure operational continuity at McLaren Port Huron during CEO's absence.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Eric Cecava, the president and CEO of McLaren Port Huron, a 186-bed nonprofit hospital in Port Huron, Michigan, will be taking a leave of absence to focus on personal health matters. The decision was announced in an internal message to employees and medical staff, with the hospital's board chairman and the executive vice president and COO of the parent company, McLaren Health Care, stating that the leave is effective immediately following a recent instance where Cecava sought care at the hospital, which generated 'considerable rumors and speculation' in the community.

Why it matters

The CEO's leave of absence highlights the importance of prioritizing personal health and well-being, especially for leaders in high-stress roles. It also underscores the need for healthcare organizations to have robust succession planning and interim leadership in place to ensure operational continuity during unexpected events.

The details

Tim Vargas, the president and CEO of McLaren Lapeer Region, will assume leadership responsibilities on an interim basis to ensure the continuity of operations at McLaren Port Huron. Cecava has served as the president and CEO of McLaren Port Huron since August 2020, previously serving as the COO beginning in December 2018.

  • Cecava's leave of absence is effective immediately as of February 13, 2026.

The players

Eric Cecava

The president and CEO of McLaren Port Huron, a 186-bed nonprofit hospital in Port Huron, Michigan, who is taking a leave of absence to focus on personal health matters.

Greg Busdicker

The chairman of the McLaren Port Huron board of trustees.

Chad Grant

The executive vice president and COO of Grand Blanc, Michigan-based McLaren Health Care, the parent company of McLaren Port Huron.

Tim Vargas

The president and CEO of McLaren Lapeer Region, who will assume leadership responsibilities on an interim basis at McLaren Port Huron.

McLaren Port Huron

A 186-bed nonprofit hospital in Port Huron, Michigan, that is part of the McLaren Health Care system.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, his visit generated considerable rumors and speculation within our community, placing the hospital in an unnecessary negative spotlight. We regret the impact this attention has had on our team and are deeply appreciative of the professionalism and compassion displayed by all involved, especially those who provided his care.”

— Greg Busdicker and Chad Grant, Chairman of the McLaren Port Huron board of trustees and Executive Vice President and COO of McLaren Health Care (Internal message to employees and medical staff)

“We want to be clear that we support Eric in taking the time he needs to address his personal health and hope you do as well.”

— Greg Busdicker and Chad Grant, Chairman of the McLaren Port Huron board of trustees and Executive Vice President and COO of McLaren Health Care (Internal message to employees and medical staff)

What’s next

The hospital's board and leadership team will work to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations during Cecava's leave of absence, with Tim Vargas serving as the interim CEO.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the importance of healthcare leaders prioritizing their own well-being and the need for healthcare organizations to have robust succession planning in place to maintain operational stability during unexpected events. It also highlights the sensitivity required when addressing personal health matters within the public eye.