New CEO Of Rogers Behavioral Health System Sets Stage For Collaboration And Growth

OCONOMOWOC, Wis., Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When Patrick (Pat) Hammer accepted the position as President and CEO of one of the nation's top mental health organizations, Rogers Behavioral Health System, he knew that the standard for quality psychiatric care had already been set. Since officially taking the lead executive role in August, he has focused on assuring a smooth transition for patients, families, staff and leadership in the organization, while setting the foundation for additional collaboration and growth.

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Taking Leadership
As the new CEO, Hammer has partnered with recently retired David L. Moulthrop, Ph.D., since joining the Rogers team. "First and foremost," Hammer said, "my primary focus has been to partner with Dave and the leadership team to ensure a smooth, successful transition. Our mutual respect has established a positive working relationship that will continue for years to come."

Hammer said others can see how well the two have aligned. "I think it has helped to assure everyone that my leadership style is respectful and collaborative. Although earning trust and respect takes time, I am confident that I have established the foundation to achieve this goal and – while I'm continuing to build these relationships – I'm also discovering additional opportunities for future growth and development."

From the beginning, Rogers' leadership team has emphasized the need for a smooth transition. That's why plans included an overlapping period between the new CEO's arrival and Moulthrop's retirement, which offered the chance to benefit from Moulthrop's experience at Rogers. The new CEO's orientation began when he arrived on July 9; Hammer officially took the helm August 1, with Moulthrop acting as consultant until August 30.

Looking Toward the Future
Rogers Memorial Hospital has a history of setting standards for psychiatric and addiction services in the industry. "One of my primary goals is to keep Rogers at the forefront of quality behavioral health," Hammer continued. "Our organization has established many of the 'firsts' in the industry, and it's my plan to lead our team to keep going in that direction. To continue our growth, one of my challenges is to address the need for training and developing additional behavioral health leaders so that we can continue to provide the very best psychiatric and addiction treatment services in the nation."

Hammer said the upcoming opening of the new Child & Adolescent Centers is yet another example of an accomplishment that will set the bar in the industry. "We are all very excited about the Grand Opening on September 19," he said. "I have had the opportunity to visit behavioral health facilities throughout the United States, and I can say with 100 percent confidence that the new Roger's Child & Adolescent Centers is the most beautiful residential treatment center I have ever seen. I can also say that – under the medical leadership of Dr. Peter Lake and Dr. Stephanie Eken – we are providing the very best child and adolescent psychiatric services in the nation. The new Child & Adolescent Services will help save and change lives of thousands of kids and families."

Hammer has over 20 years of experience providing executive leadership for behavioral health hospitals and residential treatment centers. He started his career as a hospital social worker and has achieved his current position through a passion for helping people recover from mental illness and substance use disorders.

Rogers Behavioral Health System consists of five key corporations: Rogers Memorial Hospital, which is currently ranked #7 in the country for mental health services; Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.; Rogers Partners in Behavioral Health, LLC; Rogers Center for Research and Training; and Rogers InHealth. The hospital has become nationally recognized for its specialized residential treatment services and affiliations with academic institutions and teaching hospitals in the area. Rogers Memorial Hospital is currently Wisconsin's largest not-for-profit, private behavioral health hospital, providing adults, children and adolescents with treatment for eating disorders, chemical dependency, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders, as well as a variety of child and adolescent mental health concerns.  For more information, please visit www.rogershospital.org.

For additional information or to set up an interview,
please contact Jody Miller, Director of Marketing, at (262) 646-1310.
www.rogershospital.org/newsroom

SOURCE Rogers Behavioral Health System