UPDATE 6 p.m.
SANDUSKY — Family Health Services board chair Jack Runner confirmed Monday that the center’s CEO and CFO resigned on Sunday.
“I have to learn more about his decision before I’m able to answer questions about it,” Runner said.
David Tatro emailed his resignation to board members on Sunday. He did not respond to telephone messages or emails sent on Monday. It marks the end of a long and often debated tenure at the helm of one of the region’s primary healthcare providers. Tatro, who has been a prominent figure in Erie County’s medical and administrative landscape, was responsible for the strategic direction and financial health of the organization. His departure comes at a time of increased public scrutiny.
Salary and Compensation
As the head of a non-profit organization receiving significant federal and state funding, Tatro’s compensation has been a matter of public record. According to recent IRS Form 990 filings, Tatro’s total compensation package exceeded $442,000 annually. This included a base salary of approximately $415,874, plus an additional $26,283 in related benefits and other compensation.
This high level of executive pay for a community-based health center has frequently been a point of discussion among local advocates and taxpayers, especially given the organization’s mission to serve those living in poverty.
What is Family Health Services?
Family Health Services (FHS) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a “Patient-Centered Medical Home” based in Sandusky. Its primary mission is to provide comprehensive healthcare—including family medicine, dentistry, and behavioral health—to residents of Erie, Ottawa, and Huron counties regardless of their ability to pay. By using a sliding fee scale based on federal poverty guidelines, FHS serves as a critical safety net for the under-insured and uninsured. Unlike the government-run Erie County Health Department, FHS is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit, though it relies heavily on government grants to maintain its operations.
Posted earlier today, 2 p.m.
CEO at Family Health Services out?
SANDUSKY — Sources told StayTunedSandusky this morning that David Tatro, CEO of the Family Health Services Center on East Water Street is no longer top dog at the Federally Qualified Community Health Center.
Tatro, who caused some controversy last year when local students were provided expired vaccine doses, did not return a phone call or respond to texts.
