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Catholic Health President & CEO Joe McDonald Contract Extended

September 7, 2012

Catholic Health’s Corporate Members and Sponsors – the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, have extended current President & CEO Joe McDonald’s contract through 2020 (Catholic Health Leadership).

In a unanimous show of support, the Corporate Members and Sponsors approved McDonald’s extended tenure to complete the organization’s 2020 Vision to lead the transformation of healthcare throughout the community.

“Catholic Health has undergone historic changes with Joe as its leader – building on our tradition of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care; receiving national and regional recognitions for quality and patient safety; strengthening ties with our physician community; and creating one of the most financially sustainable health systems in the state,” said Reverend Monsignor Robert E. Zapfel, chairman, Corporate Members and Sponsors Board.

“He is a proven leader not only for Catholic Health, but throughout our community.”

McDonald joined Catholic Health as its chief executive officer in 2002.

He is chairman of the Healthcare Association of New York State, and serves on its Executive, Compensation, Audit and Solutions Committees. He also serves on the Regional Policy Board 2 of the American Hospital Association and is a member of the board of directors of WNED, the HSBC Advisory Board and the Canisius College Board of Trustees.

“By bringing together gifted people, advanced facilities, new technology and innovative ideas, Catholic Health is delivering the kind of care people expect and our community deserves,” said Catholic Health Board Chairman Dennis J. Dombek. “Joe’s leadership has empowered the entire Catholic Health family to provide healthcare that exceeds every standard with unparalleled care and compassion.”

Catholic Health Recognized for Quality & Safety Under CEO's Leadership

Under McDonald’s leadership, Catholic Health is being recognized as a model for other state and national health systems to follow, raising the bar on quality and safety, controlling costs through delivery efficiencies, and setting new performance standards across its ministries.

“Long before the Affordable Care Act was passed, Catholic Health and Catholic Medical Partners began building a ‘high performing health system’ designed to bring together people, facilities, new technology and ideas focused on providing the very best care and service while controlling the rising cost of care,” said McDonald. “These are exciting times to be part of the Catholic Health family and I am proud and honored to carry on the work of our sponsors and continue our sacred mission.”

Today, under McDonald’s leadership, Catholic Health:

• cares for over 40% of the region’s patients, including those who are poor and disadvantaged, 
• achieved a strong BBB+ investment grade rating from the three major independent rating agencies – Moodys, Standard & Poors, and Fitch – an unprecedented accomplishment for the system,
• is strategically aligned with Catholic Medical Partners, a leading physician organization with over 900 members throughout Western New York,
• is one of the most technologically advanced health systems in the country with leading edge medical technology and more than 90% of all Catholic Medical Partner physicians using electronic medical records – one of only 69 provider networks in the country to meet this level of clinical connectivity, and
• is building the infrastructure for new models of care that will improve quality, safety and efficiency, including being named a Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services’ (CMS) Accountable Care Organization and a New York State Health Home. 

Monsignor Zapfel informed the Catholic Health Board of Directors of the member and sponsor’s contract approval at a recent meeting.