2008 Honoree

Fred M. DeGrandis

Fred M. DeGrandis is President and Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Clinic’s Regional Hospitals. He has a long history -- 27 years -- of hospital leadership in the Greater Cleveland area.  

From 1980 through 1992, he was Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel for Lakewood Hospital. He also served as the hospital’s interim CEO and President in 1984. DeGrandis was named President of St. John West Shore Hospital in 1992. He remained in that position until 2003, when he joined Cleveland Clinic as chief executive officer of the West Market. 

Prior to his involvement with healthcare, DeGrandis was a teacher and worked for the City of Lakewood in various positions, including city prosecutor and executive assistant to the mayor. He graduated from the University of Michigan and received his law degree from Cleveland State University’s Marshall College of Law.

His vision of community support and commitment goes much further than his role as chief executive officer. Acting on his belief in community service, DeGrandis is a member of and has served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations throughout Greater Cleveland. He is a strong supporter of the northeast Ohio chapter of the ALS Society, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS touched his family because his father was stricken with the disease.

He currently serves as an active member of the boards of the Ohio Hospital Association, Center for Health Affairs, North Coast Health Ministry, West Shore Chamber of Commerce, and Harvest for Hunger.  He previously served as a trustee and board chair of the Ohio University Medical School Centers for Osteopathic Research and Education and was an elected member of the Rocky River Board of Education for 12 years. He also was a board member of the American Heart Association, Northeast Ohio and Northeast Ohio United Way.

DeGrandis has received recognition from numerous organizations for his extensive community leadership. Most recently, the he was awarded The Phillips Medal of Public Service from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine for his community service and leadership.  The Phillips Medal is the highest honor bestowed by the university.  In addition, the ALS Northern Ohio Chapter honored him with its Legacy Award. Other recognition highlights include: the 2002 Baldwin-Wallace College Healthcare Leadership Award; All Ohio School Board Award; 2002 West Shore Chamber of Commerce Community Service and Business Leadership Award; 2004 Pillar Award for Community Service, the 2006  Exemplar Award for Community Service, the 2006 S.H.A.R.E. Award for Community Service, and the 2007 North Coast Health Ministry Community Champion Award. 

DeGrandis resides in Rocky River with his wife, Nora, and has three grown children.