Penn Presbyterian Medical Center has appointed Bob Russell as its next chief executive officer. He assumes the role permanently after serving as the acting CEO for one year.
Russell worked for two decades in various leadership roles within the University of Pennsylvania Health System, according to Penn Medicine News. While acting CEO, Russell led initiatives to cut the overall length of stay in the emergency department of the post-anesthesia care unit. He also hired new physician leaders and guided hospital leaders and staff.
Russell succeeds Michele Volpe, who served for 23 years as the PPMC CEO. Volpe is now the chief operating officer for The University of Pennsylvania Health System.
“After nearly two decades with the health system, Bob has demonstrated the expertise, experience, and institutional knowledge that makes him the clear choice for this role,” Volpe told Penn Medicine News. “I am thrilled for him to take on the CEO position permanently, where he will continue his important efforts to create an even more provider-friendly work environment, and improve patient experience and outcomes.”
Before his time as PPMC CEO, Russell served as COO and associate executive director at PPMC. Through these positions, Russell led initiatives to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Projects included implementing a concierge pharmacy service for discharged patients and starting an outpatient specialty pharmacy program.
Prior to joining PPMC, Russell was the clinical director for ambulatory and ancillary services at Pennsylvania Hospital, and he held leadership roles at Health Management Solutions, Temple University Hospital, and Albert Einstein Medical Center.
Russell is a fellow at the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Temple University and his master’s in public administration from Villanova University.
“In his new role, [Russell] will continue to enhance the standard of excellence for which PPMC is known, all with the overarching goal of helping people in the communities Penn Medicine serves live longer, healthier lives,” UPHS CEO Kevin B. Mahoney told Penn Medicine News.
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