Contact: Gregg Hartzog
414-326-1754
Cell: 414-405-1425
ghartzog@columbia-stmarys.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Milwaukee) January 17, 2011 – Ascension Health and Columbia St. Mary’s Health System announced today that Mark Taylor, FACHE, has been named President and CEO of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System in Milwaukee. Taylor assumes the role currently held by Leo P. Brideau, FACHE, who has accepted a senior executive position with Ascension Health. Taylor will assume his new responsibilities on February 15, 2011.
Taylor comes to Columbia St. Mary’s Health System from Genesys Health System in Grand Blanc, Mich., where he served as President and CEO since March of 2007. Genesys Health System is also a member of Ascension Health. Under Taylor’s leadership, Genesys established a 25-year vision for the future; achieved a substantial financial turnaround; was named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals with clinical excellence among the top one percent in the nation; and, was recognized for creating two of the top 12 leading practices throughout all of Ascension Health – co-management companies with physicians and a revolutionary new population-based care model called Genesys HealthWorks.
In addition to his service at Genesys Health System, Taylor brings more than 35 years of healthcare leadership experience to Columbia St. Mary’s Health System, including serving as President and CEO at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit, a hospital in the St. John Providence Health System, which is also a member of Ascension Health.
As President and CEO of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System, Taylor will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the four-hospital healthcare system with revenues of $750 million. “I am honored to be joining an organization with such an exceptional history and passion for care and service, and will always regard the heritage of Columbia St. Mary’s with great respect. I look forward to joining in the dedication and enthusiasm of the associates, board members and the community. Together, we can continue carrying forward and building upon the tremendous progress and innovations of Columbia St. Mary’s, as the organization upholds its legacy of care in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas,” said Taylor.
Brideau has accepted a newly created senior executive position with Ascension Health. More details about his new position will be announced in the near future date. Brideau has served as President and CEO of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System since August of 2001. He has served as Ascension Health’s Wisconsin/Missouri Ministry Market Leader since October 2007. During his tenure as President and CEO of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System, Brideau accomplished many things, including stabilizing the system’s finances. One of his greatest achievements came last year when he successfully brought together two hospital campuses, which were approximately one mile apart, into one new, state-of-the-art facility to better serve the community.
“It is always hard to leave colleagues and friends with whom I have worked so closely with over the years,” said Brideau. “However, I am truly excited about the new opportunity I have with Ascension Health. It will give me the chance to continue to do what I love, which is to make a difference in the lives of others. During this transition period I remain committed to the continued success of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System and the Ministry Markets in Wisconsin and Missouri. I look forward to working with Mark to ensure a smooth transition.”
Robert J. Henkel, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer at Ascension Health, said, “Mark is a wonderful addition to the Columbia St. Mary’s team. His proven leadership in two other Ascension Health systems shows his commitment to Catholic healthcare and his ability to quickly adapt to new organizations and be an effective leader. In addition, we look forward to having Leo join us at Ascension Health in his new role.”
“The Board of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System thanks Leo for his 10 years of hard work and dedication,” said Columbia St. Mary’s Board Chair, Bruce McDonald. “We also congratulate Leo on his new position and wish him much success in his new role with Ascension Health. We are very pleased that Mark accepted our offer to join Columbia St. Mary’s as President and CEO. Mark’s more than 35 years of healthcare experience will serve our patients and the community well. He is a dynamic leader who will continue to build on the many successes of Leo, our associates, our board and the community.”
Ascension Health (www.ascensionhealth.org) is transforming healthcare by providing the highest quality care to all, with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Ascension Health, which provided $1.1 billion in care of persons who are poor and community benefit last year, is the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system. Our Mission-focused Health Ministries employ 113,000 associates serving in more than 500 locations in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
Columbia St. Mary’s, sponsored by Ascension Health and Columbia Health System, is an organization comprised of three hospitals, 65 community clinics, The Columbia College of Nursing, a partnership with the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, and five Urgent Care Centers, which have all joined together to care for individuals and families throughout Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Sheboygan counties – with more than 160 years of service to individuals and families in these communities.
Genesys Health System, a member of Ascension Health, is mid-Michigan’s leading healthcare provider and one of its top employers. With 90 years of Mission-oriented care, Genesys is committed to the medical, economic and spiritual vitality of the patients and communities it serves as an integrated healthcare delivery system with a complete continuum of care serving Flint and the Genesee County region. ####