New Backus CEO pledges to put patients first
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Dave Whitehead has begun his new career where his life started - The William W. Backus Hospital.
On July 1 Mr. Whitehead, who was born at Backus, started in his new position as President and Chief Executive officer of the hospital, which employs more than 1800 people and serves as a safety net for hundreds of thousands of residents of New London and Windham Counties.
"I love this hospital, and I'm honored for this opportunity to lead it," said Mr. Whitehead, who previously served as Vice President of Planning and Vice President for Corporate Communications.
Mr. Whitehead, 49, of Norwich, joined Backus in 1999 after serving as President and Publisher of the Norwich Bulletin. He also has a background in Human Resources and Marketing, and has been very involved with a number of community organizations such as Norwich Free Academy, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, the United Way, Three Rivers Community College, Hospice Southeastern Connecticut and others.
Immediately after starting in his new position, Mr. Whitehead pledged to employees that communication would be a top priority for him. He asked employees, medical staff and volunteers to always do their best to put patients first, because that is why a non-profit hospital exists.
Mr. Whitehead also launched a new employee blog, committed to daily "rounding" throughout the hospital and announced his executive leadership team, which includes:
Dan Lohr, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Peter Shea, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.
Karen Long, RN, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer.
Dick Finley, Vice President for Network Development.
Keith Fontaine, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer.
His senior operations team includes:
Pam Muccilli, Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
Les Temkin, Vice President for Clinical Operations.
Mary Bylone, RN, Assistant Vice President for Patient Care Services.
Theresa Buss, Director of Human Resources.
Peter Kofsuske, Associate Administrator.
"I am confident that together we are ready and able to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities before us now, and are adept enough to adjust as our industry continues to evolve," Mr. Whitehead said. "Circumstances may change, but our focus must not: to place our patients at the center of all we do - always."