#United States #White Plains #Ivy Rehab #Jason Strauss #Michael Rucker

Ivy Rehab Announces Leadership Change

Ivy Rehab, a prominent provider of outpatient therapy services for both adults and children, has recently announced a significant transition within its leadership team. Effective April 30, 2025, Michael Rucker will retire from his post as Chief Executive Officer after an impactful tenure that began in 2017. Throughout his leadership, Rucker prioritized people and culture, enabling Ivy to grow into one of the largest outpatient therapy providers in the industry.

Michael Rucker's Legacy

Under Rucker's guidance, Ivy Rehab has achieved numerous milestones. The company not only expanded its operational footprint from 55 to over 650 locations across several regions, including the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest, but also distinguished itself in the field of outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy. This remarkable expansion allowed Ivy to serve millions of patients effectively.

Some of the notable achievements during Rucker's leadership include:

• - Team Growth and Engagement: Ivy has become a hub for talent, amassing over 6,000 employees committed to service excellence.
• - Exceptional Recognition: The company's dedication to clinical care received commendation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, marking it as a standout in performance ratings.
• - Growth in Pediatric Services: Ivy has established itself as a leader in pediatric outpatient therapy with the creation of Ivy Rehab for Kids, which boasts more than 150 locations across the country.

The New Era with Jason Strauss

Following Rucker's retirement, Jason Strauss has been appointed as the new CEO of Ivy Rehab and will also join the company's Board of Directors. With approximately two decades of experience in the healthcare sector, Strauss brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. Prior to this, he served as CEO of SCA Health, managing a vast network of ambulatory surgery centers that catered to over 1.4 million patients annually. His extensive background also includes significant roles at Optum Health as Chief Operating Officer.

Expressing his enthusiasm about his appointment, Strauss stated, "I am honored and excited to take on the role of CEO at Ivy Rehab. The foundation that Michael and the leadership team have built is exceptional, and I look forward to working alongside the team to drive the next chapter of growth while continuing to invest meaningfully in people, culture, and innovation in order to best care for the patients we serve."

A Vision for the Future

David Neighbours, the Chairman of Ivy's Board of Directors, emphasized the impact of Rucker's leadership in shaping Ivy's culture and strategic direction. He articulated confidence in Strauss's vision and commitment, stating, "Jason's experience, vision, and dedication to people align perfectly with the Company's values. We have no doubt that under Jason's leadership, Ivy will continue its strong momentum."

Rucker himself expressed pride in Ivy’s growth during his tenure, sharing, "It has been an incredible journey leading Ivy Rehab over the past eight years, and I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished. I have great confidence in Jason's commitment and capability to fulfill Ivy's mission to inspire and enable people to live life to the fullest."

Founded in 2003, Ivy Rehab is dedicated to providing high-quality therapy services with a patient-centric approach. As the company continues to expand, it remains focused on ensuring access to exceptional care in communities across the United States.

Conclusion

With a strong leadership transition, Ivy Rehab is well-positioned for future success under the experienced direction of Jason Strauss. As the company embraces its mission, the commitment to nurturing its people and enhancing patient care remains a core focus, ensuring that it continues to thrive in the evolving landscape of healthcare.