Hospice CEO announces retirement

SARASOTA — The president and CEO of Sarasota-based nonprofit Tidewell Hospice and holding company Stratum Health System, Gerard Radford, announced his retirement and a 15-month succession plan.

Radford's retirement will be effective Dec. 31, 2018, according to a press release. He joined Tidewell in 1998 and has served as CEO since 2010.

He was also involved in the formation of Pontus Health, which is a strategic alliance between Stratum Health System and Pinellas County-based Empath Health System.

“The Board of Trustees would like to congratulate Gerry on his upcoming retirement and acknowledge his 19 years of service to Tidewell and affiliated companies,” says Stratum Health System Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Uselton in a statement. “Through his leadership as President and CEO, Gerry has been instrumental in the success of Tidewell.”

Uselton also says announcing Radford's retirement 15 months in advance allows time for the selection process of his successor and ensures uninterrupted leadership at Stratum, Tidewell and its affiliates.

Tidewell serves Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties with end-of-life care, support for patient families, education and grief support. According to a statement, it has served more than 58,000 patients.