SSM Health names new chief digital officer, and more | MED MOVES

Saad Chaudhry has been named the inaugural chief digital officer at SSM Health.

Saad Chaudhry

Chaudhry brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare technology. He’ll oversee SSM Health’s digital strategy, including data and analytics and informatics.

He’ll begin in his new role on June 17, the system said.

In a post on LinkedIn, Chaudhry said he is fortunate to be given an opportunity to transform digital health “at such an incredible organization that delivers exceptional care across a vast geography. I'm eager and excited to dive in!”

Chaudhry joins SSM Health after serving as chief digital and information officer at Luminis Health in Annapolis, Md. He also held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins Medicine and UPMC.

SSM Health operates hospitals and healthcare sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.

Randy Combs, SSM Health’s executive advisor, said the system is looking to use technology to help serve patients and clinicians.

“Realizing those opportunities requires a high level of expertise and bold leadership – and that’s what Saad brings to the table,” Combs said in a statement.

From left, Heitham Hassoun, James Laur, and Stella Chen

Cedars-Sinai appoints 3 executives to new roles

Heitham Hassoun, MD, has been named chief executive of Cedars-Sinai International.

A professor of surgery at Cedars-Sinai, he joined the organization in 2018, serving as vice president and medical director of Cedars-Sinai International.

Hassoun helped lead Cedars-Sinai’s first global affiliation, The View Hospital in Affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, in Doha, Qatar. He has led the expansion of Cedars-Sinai’s regional offices in multiple countries, including China, Mexico and Singapore.

He maintains a clinical practice in vascular and endovascular surgery.

Cedars-Sinai has also appointed two other leaders to key roles.

James Laur has been promoted to chief executive of intellectual property and health ventures at Cedars-Sinai.

With his new role, Laur will serve as chief executive officer of Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company, a new entity. He also will continue his leadership role as managing director of Cedars-Sinai Health Ventures. Laur first joined Cedars-Sinai in 1991.

In addition, Stella Chen has been promoted to the newly created role of associate chief financial officer; she will also maintain her current role as vice president of finance. Chen will oversee financial operations for Cedars-Sinai. She joined the organization in 2015.

David Wrigley, chief financial officer at Cedars-Sinai, said in a statement, “These career moves signify an investment in our future as we continue to enhance and expand our impact locally and globally while fulfilling our ultimate goal of providing the highest-quality healthcare for patients.”

Richelle Webb Dixon

University of Maryland Medical System names chief administrative officer

Richelle Webb Dixon has been named the new chief administrative officer of the University of Maryland Medical System.

Webb Dixon possesses more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has spent years with CommonSpirit Health and Catholic Health Initiatives.

In her new role, Webb Dixon will have oversight of several key areas including supply chain and logistics, information services, clinical informatics and real estate construction.

“I am excited and humbled to join the University of Maryland Medical System, an organization whose mission and vision resonates deeply with my passion for creating a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities we serve,” Webb Dixon said in a statement. “UMMS is uniquely positioned to transform the delivery of equitable health care and I am eager to join a team of talented professionals who share a common goal: to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of care for all.”

She will succeed Jon Burns, who is retiring this summer after serving 18 years with the system.

Ty Renbarger

Parkview Health hires new chief financial officer

Ty Renbarger has been named the next chief financial officer of Parkview Health, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Renbarger replaces Jeanne’ Wickens, who served as CFO for eight years and has chosen to retire. He begins his new role June 3.

He most recently served as principal and senior vice president of mergers and acquisitions operations, at Platinum Equity LLC.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community alongside such a respected team. I’ve always admired Parkview Health for its continued progression as a leader in quality, patient experience and culture,” Renbarger said in a statement. “I recognize the responsibility ahead and will work to continue the legacy of resiliency, dedicated service and financial stewardship that Parkview has built over the years.”

Rick Henvey, CEO of Parkview Health, hailed Wickins for her “incredible impact on Parkview and our community.”

He also praised Renbarger’s qualifications.

“I’m confident that Ty’s valuable experience and perspective from outside the healthcare industry will help us continue to be good stewards of our resources and focus on reducing the cost of care,” Henvey said in a statement. “His leadership will position us to be an economic and healthcare leader for our community for generations to come.”