Saint Francis Healthcare Names Dietz CEO

WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CHE Trinity Health announced today that Brian Dietz, FACHE, will continue as president and chief executive officer of Saint Francis Healthcare, Wilmington, Del., following eight months of interim leadership in this role. 

Dietz brings more than 35 years of health care management experience in meeting quality and financial objectives to his position and a leadership approach that focuses on quality outcomes, employee and physician relations, supply and expense management and strategic planning for growth.

"Brian has established physician partnerships that support quality patient care as a high priority for Saint Francis," said H. Ray Welch Jr., senior vice president, ministry operations, CHE Trinity Health. "We look forward to continued progress in engaging the medical staff and key stakeholders in the development and implementation of plans that are aligned with core strategies."

"I am pleased to report the Board of Directors was unanimous in its endorsement of Brian as the President and CEO," said Dennis Salter, Saint Francis board chairperson. "We are very delighted with the progress Saint Francis has made under Brian's enthusiastic leadership as interim CEO and we look forward to continued success now that he is a permanent member of the Saint Francis family."

"I was eager to accept the offer from CHE Trinity and the Saint Francis Board because in the past eight months I have been thoroughly impressed with the positive attitude and compassionate spirit of each and every Colleague here," said Dietz. "Together with our physician partners, we are working on creating a healthy future for Wilmington, for all of Delaware."

When Dietz became Interim President and CEO in May, he was cited by CHE Trinity for his strong track record of building partnerships and strengthening collaborations with clinicians. Under Dietz's leadership, Saint Francis Healthcare has enhanced its cardiology service, entered into strategic alliances with various physician groups, such as the Mid-Atlantic G.I. Consultants and Surgeons for Emergency Care, and formed partnerships to make top specialists available to Delawareans, as with its affiliation with The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson.

"Building on our many recent successes, we can say with certainty we will have many exciting and important announcements to make in coming months," promised Dietz.  "At the same time, I look forward to celebrating Saint Francis' 90 years of service in the community.  It is energizing to join an organization that exemplifies such a dedicated and rich history in Delaware."

Dietz earned his Master of Science in hospital administration from The George Washington University and his Bachelor of Science in sociology with an emphasis in clinical social work from Frostburg State University.  As a consultant to the health care industry for many years, his expertise spans many areas, including health care administration, physician practice management, health care information technology and revenue cycle management.  He is married with two children and is a native of Baltimore.

Saint Francis Healthcare, a member of CHE Trinity Health, operates Delaware's only Catholic hospital serving Wilmington and Northern New Castle County since 1924. Services provided include the Saint Francis Cardiovascular Services , 24-hour Emergency Services, Ambulance Service, Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, the da Vinci™ Surgical System, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Advanced Wound Center, Imaging Services, Sleep/Neurodiagnostics Center, Pain Center, Home Care, Outpatient Physical Therapy, Comprehensive Women's Services and three community outreach programs. Saint Francis Healthcare is affiliated with the Saint Francis Foundation, the Franciscan Care Center, and Saint Francis LIFE (Living Independently for Elders), a PACE (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) model. 

SOURCE Saint Francis Healthcare