Former CoxHealth CEO Bezanson dies

SBJ file

Bob Bezanson led CoxHealth 2004-11.

Former CoxHealth President and CEO Bob Bezanson died June 3. He was 76.

His obituary at GreenLawnFuneralHome.com indicates he "suddenly passed away at home."

Bezanson retired from CoxHealth after leading the health care system 2004-2011 and working as an employee there for 30 years, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

"I think you should surround yourself with the very best people you can find and then allow them to do their job," Bezanson said in a 2004 SBJ article about his managerial philosophy. "My responsibility is to mentor and to coach and to help them achieve their full potential."

At CoxHealth, Bezanson was a key player in the health care system's development of medical properties on the South National Avenue strip known as the Medical Mile. Prior to his retirement, he was involved in managing $120 million in capital projects, including the Meyer Orthopedic Center, CoxHealth Surgery Center and the Cox South Emergency & Trauma Center, according to SBJ archives.

Steve Edwards became president and CEO in 2012 and retired late last month. He's succeeded by Max Buetow, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the health care system.