TROY — Wayne State University Physician Group announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors. Michael Lacusta of the Detroit Medical Center – Vanguard Health Systems, Gregory J. Schwartz, Jr. of Schwartz & Co. and Blake Ellis of J.P. Morgan will serve a one-year term as community business representatives for the nonprofit multispecialty physician group.
“I am pleased to welcome these individuals who bring a wide range of expertise and insight to our board,” said Robert A. Frank, M.D., chief executive officer and chief medical officer of Wayne State University Physician Group. “As leaders in their industries, their perspectives and counsel will be of great service to our organization, our board and our community.”
Michael P. Lacusta is senior vice president of the Detroit Medical Center – Vanguard Health Systems and has held numerous leadership roles with the DMC over the last 10 years, most recently as president of the DMC Medical Group. In 2003 he served as president of University Physician Services, a predecessor of Wayne State University Physician Group, where he played a critical role in leading and managing business operations and was responsible for the negotiation and management of physician-managed care across all practice groups. He holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Marquette University and is a graduate of the University Of Michigan College Of Engineering where he received his bachelor’s degree in industrial and operations engineering. Lacusta is fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and resides in Troy.
Gregory Schwartz, Jr. is a director at Schwartz & Co. and has been in the investment business since 1986. Schwartz holds his registered representative and general securities principal licenses, as well as life, health, disability and real estate licenses. He began his career in financial services with Northwestern Mutual in New York City, and in August of 1987 joined Schwartz & Co. as a registered representative. His focus is long-term investment planning working with individuals and families. Schwartz manages a private investment limited liability corporation and is also a founder of the Bank of Birmingham. He is a graduate of Fairfield University where he received his bachelor’s degree in economics. Schwartz resides in Birmingham.
Blake Ellis is a banker with J.P. Morgan with more than nine years of experience in the financial service industry. As a private banker, Ellis provides comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services while overseeing client relationships. Prior to joining J.P Morgan, Ellis worked in the Private Client Services group at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the tax department. While working for PricewaterhouseCoopers Ellis obtained his Certified Public Accountant designation. Ellis is a graduate of the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University where he graduated magna cum laude. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and resides in Grosse Pointe Park.