A Personal Note from Jerry Rutherford
September 18, 2011
Posted by chcablogadmin in : Leadership
I was thrilled to find out that the Board and CEO Search Committee selected Mark Wietecha to lead us into the future. I have had the professional pleasure of working with Mark on a number of projects, dating back to 1997, that have created significant value for the CHCA Owner Hospitals. In every situation, I learned a lot and had fun. Mark is a very familiar face to CHCA as well as many of our children’s hospitals. I believe he is uniquely positioned to guide our new organization through the decisions, details and intricacies of the merger and pave the way to accomplish our collective mission. The leadership transition process begins officially September 22, when Mark assumes his new role; but, as you might expect, we’re already off and running with important logistics and communications. I have committed to Mark that I will support him in any way possible to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for him, the children’s hospitals and CHCA staff. I will meet with Mark next week to better understand his perspective on how I can best provide that support.
On a personal note, my time as President and CEO of CHCA has been tremendously rewarding. We’ve gone through a period of change—with more to come—and I’m truly grateful for the support of all CHCA staff and the staff’s ability to remain focused on the needs and priorities of CHCA Owner Hospitals. As the CEOs of these wonderful institutions, I want to thank each of you (and will do so personally when I have the chance to see you) for the support and guidance you’ve provided me. More importantly, I want to thank you for entrusting me with this important interim stewardship role and hope that you have found your trust was well founded.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize the CHCA Senior Team – Barbara Spreadbury, Craig Fischer, David Spizman, Jeff Primovic, Kassandra Jensen, Nancy Vasto and Sandra Tillman. They accepted me wholeheartedly and provided significant guidance, direction and support throughout the process. I also need to recognize Angie Leondedis and Sharon Smith who have been with me throughout, almost daily, to help facilitate open, transparent communications.
I am also thrilled to report that on August 31, we received notification from the Kansas City Business Journal that CHCA was selected as one of the winners in the annual Best Places to Work awards program. CHCA is one of 10 companies in the medium company (50 – 249 employees) category. With Mark’s selection as the new CEO, I’m confident this tradition will be sustained and the future will be exciting.
Warm regards,
JR
add a commentOur Future: A Message from New President and CEO Mark Wietecha
September 18, 2011
Posted by chcablogadmin in : Leadership
(Editor’s note: this memo was sent to all members jointly by NACHRI/N.A.C.H. and CHCA communications staff Friday, September 16, on behalf of Mark Wietecha.)
Our Future
Mark Wietecha, President and CEO, CHCA and NACHRI/N.A.C.H.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you to advance the success of your institutions through our new organization. It is truly a privilege for me. I look forward to meeting you and better understanding the needs of your institutions over the coming months. Together, we will make great progress in advancing our mission and your success, and most importantly, the health interests and future of children.
Our immediate priorities are to keep the current work initiatives moving and to accelerate the process of bringing our new organization together. It is critical we achieve the best possible impact on the direction of public policy as it relates to the financing of children’s health care, medical education and research. The political process is in full swing, and we are working thoughtfully to fully mobilize our strategy and influence to make a difference. There is much activity underway, and you can expect continued updates over the coming days and weeks.
To accelerate the integration of our new organization, I am working with Peggy Troy and the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to begin the leadership transition. My time commitment will steadily increase over the coming months as I conclude my current duties, and we will continue to rely on Peggy and the IMC’s continuity over this period. Our immediate priorities are to bring together the legacy plans of CHCA, NACHRI and N.A.C.H., to assess how we can be more effective in meeting your needs, and to begin aligning our operating organization and finances. It is our goal to move these processes along on a timely basis, and ensure you – our members – are providing your input on our direction and priorities. This is your organization. We will be working through Jim Mandell and the new Board to reach out to you and define how we expect these initiatives to unfold over the balance of 2011 and over the course of 2012.
Thank you again with warmest personal regards,
Mark
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