Leadership Shift at Press Ganey

Siegrist to Focus on Innovation; Draughon to Become CEOSOUTH BEND, Ind.,

June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard B. Siegrist Jr. today announced his decision to transition from chief executive officer to a new role as chief innovation officer of Press Ganey Associates, Inc., effective July 1. In this position, Siegrist will focus on continuing to introduce key products and innovations to the company. He will also remain part of Press Ganey's board of directors. Robert Draughon, Press Ganey's current president and chief financial officer, will become the chief executive officer.

"After three years with Press Ganey - a period in which innovation has helped the company to grow 50% - I wanted to concentrate on continuing to identify additional ways to use innovation to drive added value for our clients," Siegrist said. "I am transitioning the day-to-day operations of Press Ganey to the capable and experienced hands of Rob Draughon, who shares my vision for innovation and commitment to helping clients improve patient experience and outcomes."

Siegrist oversaw the development and launch of a number of innovative products and services at Press Ganey including the new Improvement Portal(SM), a patent-pending, innovative online gateway that provides real-time insight into an organization's current performance and access to best-in-class improvement resources. He was also involved in the development of Clinical Performer(SM), a solution that integrates financial, operational, satisfaction and quality information to allow hospitals to analyze physician practice patterns, improve resource management and identify cost-saving opportunities; and Quality Performer(SM), a solution that facilitates quality measure data collection and analysis to help interpret data and formulate improvement plans. Other products developed under Siegrist's leadership included Hospitalist Insights(SM), a dedicated patient satisfaction survey specifically for hospitalists.

Draughon has been with Press Ganey since early 2009 when he was named chief financial officer. He then became president and chief financial officer, where he led the strategic business planning in an effort to continue company growth. Prior to Press Ganey, Draughon worked in finance and corporate development for several health care and investment companies including, most recently, WebMD. He graduated from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University with a master's in business administration and from Wake Forest University with a bachelor's in economics.

"In this expanded role, I am looking forward to continuing to lead this growing company as we help our clients navigate the ever-evolving health care world," said Draughon. "I'm also proud to lead the more than 800 talented people who work hard every day to ensure our clients have the tools and resources they need to deliver quality care to patients and improve their financial, operational, clinical and experiential performance."

Recognized as a leader in performance improvement for 25 years, Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care organizations to create and sustain high performing organizations, and, ultimately, improve the overall health care experience. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help clients operate efficiently, improve quality, increase market share and optimize reimbursement. Press Ganey works with clients from across the continuum of care - hospitals, medical practices, home care agencies and other providers - including 50% of all U.S. hospitals. For more information, visit www.pressganey.com.

SOURCE Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

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