"My 90-day list could best be described as listening and learning," he said.
Geeslin spoke to reporters Monday at Central Health's main offices on East Cesar Chavez Street in Austin. He was joined by Katrina Daniel, chair of Central Health's board, as well as board managers Guadalupe Zamora, who serves as vice chair, and Charles Bell.
Mike Geeslin, center, answers questions Monday, April 10, about his selection as top choice for the Central Health CEO position while joined by Katrina Daniel, chair of the board of managers at Central Health, as well as board managers Guadalupe Zamora and Charles Bell (not pictured).[/caption]Daniel said Central Health and Geeslin still need to work out contract details and that Geeslin would likely not begin his new position until May.
Geeslin, who lives in Austin, is set to lead a public agency with a $240 million budget that is tasked to provide health care for Travis County residents who lack adequate health insurance.
Prompted by a question that mentioned some of the controversy directed toward Central Health over the past year regarding financial decision making, Geeslin said budget transparency is a topic he considers important and one he plans to embrace as CEO.
"I think having strong audit processes, having community engagement where people have input in terms of how the dollars are ultimately spent are all part of the transparency process," Geeslin said.
In terms of tasks, the new executive's list will contain a number of important items.
Among the largest initiatives is Central Health's plan to redevelop the 14.3-acre University Medical Center Brackenridge campus in downtown Austin into a mixed-use district that could include commercial and residential development with a focus on health care service and research.
Central Health continues to move forward on planning for the project, Daniel said.
Elements of the proposal still to be determined include the selection of a master developer, the outcome of a special zoning variance that would need approval from Austin City Council and whether proposed new Capitol View Corridors in East Austin would limit future building heights on the Brackenridge property.
Central Health officials have said in the past that a master developer could be chosen in the second half of 2017. Geeslin said Monday that "it would be too early at this point for me" to back a firm deadline on the project milestone.
"I think it's important to come in and look at any process that's in play right now and ultimately work with the board of managers and the community leaders and our partners in terms of setting what those expectations might be," he said.
Central Health began a national search effort for a new executive after previous CEO Patricia Young Brown announced in October she would leave the position at the end of 2016.
Following input from community members and executive recruitment firm B.E. Smith, a search committee comprised of Central Health board members interviewed seven candidates and chose two finalists. Central Health did not release the names of any candidates besides Geeslin and Abdellatif, citing a need for candidates to keep their interest secret to protect their current employment.
Before making their decision Friday, board managers heard several public comments that were critical of the level of community outreach involved in the search process.
Daniel said she understood that with such a major decision there are bound to be differing opinions on the outcome.
"I feel like we had a pretty robust process for seeking input from the community and, in the end, the board has to make a decision," she said. "I assure you that we took to heart everything that we heard from the community."
Geeslin said it will be incumbent upon him to reach out to the Travis County residents who rely on Central Health for medical care.
"Being able to connect with them on a personal level is very, very important to me," he said. "I'm not prescribed to any one format, so to speak. I want to leave it open in a way that's comfortable for the people that ultimately, I want to hear from."
Before Geeslin takes the CEO position, he will have to leave his job as executive director of the Texas Dental Association.
Among his other professional experience, Geeslin served as Texas Commissioner of Insurance from 2005-11 and was a board member for Sendero Health Plans, a nonprofit health coverage provider affiliated with Central Health. He earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Texas A&M University.
Several Austin-area public officials expressed support Monday for Geeslin's selection as top choice to take the executive role.
"Mike has a passion for serving the public and working with others in ways that help everyone achieve their goal," said Clay Johnston, dean of The University Of Texas Dell Medical School, in a statement. "He will be a fabulous partner and collaborator, and we look forward to working with him to help transform health and care in Travis County.
State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, said in a statement that he has known Geeslin for 10 years, first meeting him while Geeslin was insurance commissioner.
"Mr. Geeslin has the ability to do some great things for our community," Watson said. "He has the skills and knowledge to lead Central Health as it continues to transform health care in Central Texas. He is dedicated to Central Health's inclusive mission and will be a strong advocate for the people relying on Central Health."
