Health Sys. CEO search in the works

The University has begun conducting a national search for a candidate to replace Health System Chief Executive Officer Robert Martin when he steps down in June. Officials hope to announce Martin's successor by late spring. The new CEO of the Health System will be the fourth since 2000. According to Susan Phillips, the chief of staff for Medical School Dean and Health System Vice President Arthur Rubenstein, the search team is taking a "collegial approach" to find a "seasoned executive with a proven track record." Phillips and others will work with Spencer Stuart, an international executive search firm. Before making a final decision, the candidate must be approved by the University Board of Trustees and Penn Medicine, the Health System's governing board. Penn is looking for "an individual who works well with clinicians," Phillips added. The search for a new CEO of the Health System began in October following Martin's decision to resign at the end of this fiscal year. In October, Martin said that while at Penn, he had completed the goals he set when he entered the job and that he recruited a group that was instrumental in restoring stability to the once financially beleaguered Health System. In the late 1990s, the Health System suffered total loss of $300 million dollars, but under Martin, it reversed its losing trend and has since produced a profit. Martin was also instrumental in the formation of Penn Medicine. Martin was appointed in July 2000 following the sudden resignation of Peter Traber, who served as the chief executive for about six months. Traber was preceded by William Kelley, who was dismissed by University President Judith Rodin in February 2000. "There is broad national interest in this job," Phillips said. "It is a true testament to Penn and what has been accomplished in the Health System."

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