Ascension names new chief financial officer, and more | MED MOVES

Saurabh Tripathi has been named as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ascension.

Saurabh Tripathi

He began in his new role at the St. Louis-based system April 29. He is succeeding Liz Foshage, who will serve as co-CFO until September, when she will retire.

Tripathi possesses more than 25 years of executive experience, the system says.

Previously, he served as chief financial officer and treasurer at Highmark Health. Tripathi also held leadership positions at Fresenius Medical Care, General Electric, and Procter & Gamble.

“I am deeply honored to join Ascension and contribute to its noble Mission of providing care to all, with special attention to those most in need,” Tripathi said in a statement. “I look forward to being an integral part of the leadership team and collaborating with Ascension’s skilled professionals across the system to foster innovation and continue elevating health standards throughout our communities."

Joseph Impicciche, chief executive officer of Ascension, hailed Tripathi’s experience.

“His extensive background and expertise in managing large-scale operations and his visionary leadership are exactly what Ascension needs as we continue to evolve and expand our services,” Impicciche said in a statement. “His deep industry knowledge and proven ability to deliver substantial financial results will play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.”

Andrew Stec

Nemour Children’s Health names CMO for Jacksonville

Andrew Stec, MD, has been named the vice president and chief medical officer of Nemour Children’s Health, Jacksonville.

He transitioned into his new role May 1, after serving as vice chair of the department of surgery.

Michael Erhard, MD, president of Nemours Children’s Health’s North Florida Region, said the organization chose Stec after “an extensive external and internal search.”

“I look forward to working with Dr. Stec to create the healthiest generations of children in Northeast Florida and beyond,” Erhard said in a statement.

A board certified urologist, Stec joined the urology team at Nemours Children’s as division chief in September 2019. Before going to Nemours Children’s, he served as the director of pediatric urology at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Stec also serves as an associate professor of urology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.

Michael Stern

Tower Health appoints new president, and other leaders

Michael Stern has been promoted to president of Tower Health, based in West Reading, Pa.

Stern has been serving as chief operating officer of Tower Health, and he will continue in that role. The system said in a post on Facebook that Stern is focusing on “maintaining the momentum of Tower Health's turnaround.”

Tower Health has been wrestling with financial challenges in recent years. Tower Health credited Stern with bringing talented leaders to the system, and expanding the system’s workforce.

The system also announced appointments to other key roles:

• Rob Ehinger has been appointed Tower Health’s associate chief financial officer;
• Kristin Kearney has been promoted to a dual role as chief financial officer of both Tower Health Medical Group and Reading Hospital;
• Chuck Valentino has been named vice president of revenue integrity for Tower Health;
• Stephanie Goldman has been appointed vice president of pharmacy for Tower Health.

Sue Perrotty, CEO of Tower Health, said in a statement, "It's an exhilarating time at Tower Health. I am immensely proud of our team's resilience and dedication which have allowed us to promote several key leaders in recognition of their invaluable contributions.”

Brian Tabor

Indiana Hospital Association leader plans to retire

Brian Tabor, the longtime president of the Indiana Hospital Association, plans to step down.

Tabor has served as president of the association for 16 years. He plans to stay on the job until his successor is named.

The board is planning a search, and Tabor will assist in the process of finding a new president.

“It has been an honor to serve IHA, as the commitment of Hoosier hospitals to delivering the best care to every single patient is unsurpassed anywhere in the nation,” Tabor said in a statement.

The association represents more than 170 Indiana hospitals.

Steve Holman, the CEO of Union Health and the chairman of the IHA’s board of directors, praised Tabor’s contributions.

“Our industry couldn’t have asked for a better leader to guide us through these years of monumental health care reform, and we can’t thank Brian enough for his passion and dedicated service to our member hospitals and the patients we serve,” Holman said in a statement.