Hospital Head Steps Down, Eyes Detroit Mayor Run

Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan announced last week he will step down by the end of the year, a move largely seen as clearing the way for a run for Detroit mayor next year.

Duggan will step down Dec. 31. He is expected to announce a decision about the mayor’s race around the same time. He’s in the middle of what he called a 90-day assessment period to test interest in his run.

Duggan was formerly a Wayne County prosecutor. He’s been CEO of Detroit Medical Center since 2004, and oversaw its sale to for-profit health care company Vanguard Health last year.

Duggan told the Detroit Free Press that his decision to step down is due in part to President Obama’s victory and Michigan’s repeal of its emergency management law.

“The president getting re-elected means health reform goes into effect, giving the DMC a very bright future,” Duggan told the Free Press. “And the emergency manager law got overturned. I’ve been very concerned about running for an office that may not exist. When I saw those two results, the timing of the decision became obvious.”

Mayor Dave Bing has not yet said whether he will run again.

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Healthcare industry Michigan
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