Allina Health CEO Succession Announced

Allina Health CEO Succession Announced

<0> Allina HealthDavid Kanihan, 612-262-4986 </0>

Allina Health Announced today that Chief Executive Officer Kenneth H. Paulus will retire from his post at the end of 2014. Penny Wheeler, MD, President and Chief Clinical Officer of Allina Health, has been appointed the organization’s next CEO.

“As we navigate the continuing complex challenges of health care transformation, we are very pleased to execute on our planned CEO succession,” said Allina Health board chair Mark Jordahl. “Dr. Wheeler has worked closely with Mr. Paulus on the strategy for Allina Health’s successful future, and she has the confidence of the entire organization as we move ahead. Ken’s leadership has been essential to the progress made by the company and we expect Penny’s tenure to be just as successful.”

"It has been a privilege to work side by side with the many caregivers and staff of Allina Health over the past nine years,” Paulus said. “They have accomplished improvements in every area of patient care and performance, and I couldn't be more proud of their work. I can't think of a better person than Dr. Wheeler to take the organization to the next level. She is a supremely talented leader with a very special commitment to our non-profit mission. I look forward to following the organization's continued success in the years to come.”

During his tenure at Allina Health, Paulus has led numerous growth initiatives, including joint ventures, strategic partnerships and acquisitions that have positioned Allina Health as the market share leader in the region. He leaves Allina Health in a strong financial position, as recently affirmed by multiple credit rating agencies. Paulus joined Allina Health in 2005 after serving as CEO of Massachusetts-based HealthOne Care System.

“I have been honored to work alongside Ken Paulus and all our leadership as we’ve developed the right strategy for Allina Health’s future,” said Dr. Wheeler. “I am enthusiastic about our plans and appreciative of the confidence shown in me by Ken Paulus, by the board, and by all our colleagues.”

Dr. Wheeler assumed the role of chief clinical officer in 2006, having served previously on the board of directors of the company, where she chaired the Quality Committee. In 2013, she was named president, expanding her responsibilities to include hospital operations while continuing to advance the organization’s clinical quality and performance improvement agenda. Dr. Wheeler has led many successful initiatives while at Allina Health, including the merger of Courage Center with Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to further integrate care for those with disabilities, and the partnership with Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota to create the Mother Baby Centers. Additionally, she has supported the development of specialty clinical service lines to assure consistently exceptional care.

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