Guy Wiebking Named Board Chair – Sandra Bruce Named President and CEO

CHICAGO and MOKENA, Ill., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Resurrection Health Care President and CEO Sandra Bruce, FACHE, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the new organization which will be formed by the merger of Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care. Bruce’s appointment is effective immediately. Guy Wiebking, President and CEO of Provena Health, will become Chair of the new Catholic health system’s Board of Directors upon closing of the merger agreement, which is currently pending State approval.

The President/CEO and the Board of Directors were selected by Provena’s Member Body and Resurrection Health Care’s Sponsorship Board who represent the five sponsoring congregations.

In a joint statement, Sister Mary Elizabeth Imler, OSF, Chair of Provena’s Member Body and Sister Patricia Ann Koschalke, CSFN, Chair of Resurrection’s Sponsorship Board commented: “With decades of accomplishment to her credit, Sandra has earned the respect and confidence of physicians, clinicians, staff and community. As we enthusiastically begin this new healthcare ministry in her capable hands, we extend our gratitude to Guy for the many contributions he has made to advance our healing Mission. We look forward to his continued involvement in a Board capacity alongside the outstanding newly-appointed board members.”

Sandra Bruce is a nationally-recognized leader with vast healthcare leadership experience serving in chief executive officer positions for more than 30 years and in key roles for several state and national healthcare associations, commissions and task forces, including the Catholic Health Association. Since joining Resurrection Health Care in November 2008, she has led a financial turnaround of the organization that has significantly improved financial performance. Under her leadership, Resurrection has developed a visionary strategic plan; implemented initiatives for more cost-effective, streamlined operations; advanced the health system’s dedication to the delivery of patient- and family-centered, quality care; and appointed medical staff members to key leadership roles for greater physician involvement. Read more about Sandra Bruce.

With nearly 35 years of healthcare industry experience, Wiebking’s involvement with Provena Health began over 18 years ago at the invitation of a sponsoring congregation of one of Provena’s predecessor organizations, the former Franciscan Sisters Healthcare Corporation. In his role as President and CEO of Provena Health, he led efforts for a financial improvement of more than $90 million and instilled a discipline and focus on sustainable growth and expense management.

The new Board of Directors of the merged Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care includes individuals from each of the current Provena and Resurrection boards.

Appointed board members from Provena Health are:
Mark Hanson
Thomas R. Huberty, M.D.
Marsha Ladenberger
Kent Russell
Guy Wiebking

Appointed board members from Resurrection Health Care are:
Haven Cockerham
Susan McDonough
Victor Orler
Thomas Settles
James Winikates

Appointed board members from sponsoring congregations are:
Sister Patricia Ann Koschalke, CSFN
Sister Terry Maltby, RSM
Sister Mary Shinnick, OSF
Sister Evelyn Varboncoeur, sscm

Biographical information about each of the new appointees is available here.

In an agreement which will form the largest Catholic health system in Illinois, Provena Health and Resurrection announced plans to merge on July 5, 2011. A Certificate of Need application is pending before the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and is expected to be heard at their October 12-13 meeting in Joliet. Should the merger be approved at the time, the closing is expected to occur in November.

The yet unnamed new system encompasses 12 hospitals, 28 long-term care and senior residential facilities, more than 50 primary and specialty care clinics, extensive home health services and the State’s second-largest behavioral health program. In addition, the system includes Resurrection University, a fully-accredited, not-for-profit, Catholic-based specialty school for health sciences.

Sr. Imler and Sr. Koschalke concluded: “We are excited about the future and full of hope about what this new ministry means for Catholic healthcare in this state and across the nation. We pray for God’s blessing upon Sandra, Guy and all our leaders, as they guide this new ministry to better serve the healthcare needs of residents in all of our regions and provide greater access to healthcare, particularly for the underserved in our communities who rely on us.”

About the New Healthcare Organization:
The new ministry will be a family of Catholic, not-for profit, healthcare services providing advanced medical care and exceptional service with compassion and hope. With locations in Chicago and its collar counties, as well as in East-Central Illinois, it will be the largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, encompassing 12 hospitals, 28 long term care and senior residential facilities, numerous outpatient services, clinics, home health services, hospice, private duty, and comprehensive Behavioral Health services. The new ministry is sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary and the Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and the Sisters of the Resurrection. Visit www.provena.org and www.reshealth.org to learn more about these ministries.

SOURCE Resurrection Health Care and Provena Health