Dave Whitehead is named next Backus President and CEO
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David A. Whitehead has been named Backus Hospital's next President and Chief Executive Officer, and he will formally assume the duties of that office on July 1.
Peter V. Disch, Chairman of the Board and head of the Leadership Transition Committee, said the decision to promote Mr. Whitehead was approved by the Board at its regular monthly meeting Monday evening. Members of the medical staff and hospital employees were informed of the decision at special meetings early Tuesday morning.
"Dave is the right person, at the right time, to perform this difficult job," Mr. Disch said. "He knows how to lead, how to motivate, and how to set high standards that get met. Our hospital is fortunate to have a leader of Dave's caliber ready to move Backus forward, and the Board is extremely pleased that he has accepted this challenge."
Mr. Whitehead, 48, joined Backus in 1999 and has served as the hospital's Vice President for Planning since 2003. In that role, he developed and organized the Board-approved 2007 Strategic Planning process. He has served as a liaison to the Board to improve communications and clarify trustees' responsibilities. He has also worked with closely with physicians to more closely align the goals of the medical staff and the hospital.
In addition to his hospital duties, Mr. Whitehead has been involved in numerous civic and service organizations, and had worked for Gannett Co., Inc., as President and Publisher of the Norwich Bulletin before joining Backus.
"It is an incredible honor to be asked to lead such a talented team," Mr. Whitehead said. "Backus is a superb hospital with a proven track record for performance and compassionate care. I look forward to working with everyone in my new role."
Thomas P. Pipicelli will serve as President and CEO until July 1, when he will transition to a new role as President of Backus Corporation.
"I congratulate Dave on his appointment by the Board, and wish him success in the future," Mr. Pipicelli said. "As Dave knows first-hand, Backus has a talented and dedicated staff. It has been my privilege to work with them for the past 15 years."
Medical Staff President Stephen T. Briggs, MD, said physicians look forward to working with the next CEO.
"The Medical Staff, Administration and hospital staff share a common goal to improve health," Dr. Briggs said. "We look forward to this opportunity to work collaboratively with Dave and his team."
Mr. Whitehead thanked Mr. Pipicelli for his leadership, and expressed his confidence that the staff would continue to build on a proud tradition of progress.
"Throughout my life, I have seen Backus grow and improve," Mr. Whitehead said. "First as a kid who played on what used to be the hospital's front lawn, then as a resident and dad whose own kids sometimes needed hospital services, and - for the past 10 years - as an employee. Backus is truly a community treasure."
Asked to state his leadership priorities, Mr. Whitehead listed three: "Put patients first - always. Listen actively to stakeholders: employees, medical staff, volunteers and the community. Find strategic ways to collaborate and coordinate to meet the region's healthcare needs."
Mr. Whitehead said he intends to spend much of the time between now and July 1 meeting informally with stakeholders across the organization to solicit ideas and information that "will continue to position Backus for success in fulfilling our mission."
"We know there are a lot of challenges in the healthcare industry," he said. "But we've got bright people with great ideas. That's the best combination any leader can hope for."