Since coming to Inova Alexandria Hospital as chief executive officer nearly 7 years ago, I have been privileged to lead our dedicated physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers in providing the best quality care to this community. I have also been very proud to call Alexandria my home. So it with bittersweet emotions that I announce I will soon bid you goodbye to start an exciting new chapter in my career as president and chief executive officer of the not-for-profit St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis.
Saying goodbye is never easy. I have found many friends here and developed a deep connection to this community both personally and professionally. Yet, I leave here content with the knowledge that Inova Alexandria Hospital will continue its journey to deliver exceptional care and meet the ever-changing needs of this community. It’s a journey I’m proud to have helped shape during my time here in partnership with our team and with the support of Alexandria community. Together, we accomplished much to optimize how we deliver care, improve patient outcomes and be a good neighbor, including:
Renovated our existing 4-story tower to create a Women’s Tower dedicated to providing a healing environment with all private rooms for our women’s services, including childbirth and breast and gynecological surgeries.
Completed an $84 million capital improvement project to expand high-demand services, like emergency and diagnostic, and renovate existing space. $24 million came from generous donors in the Alexandria community.
Ranked in the Top Ten of “Best Hospitals” in Washington D.C. and the Commonwealth of Virginia by U.S. News and World Report magazine.
Consistently rated grade “A” by The Leapfrog Group in their Hospital Safety Survey for protecting patients from accidents, injuries, errors and infections.
Earned national recognition for hip and knee care, stroke care, and nursing excellence.
Adopted “Lean” business principles and evidence-based practices that helped us exceed national guidelines for initiating life-saving treatment for stroke and heart attack patients.
Named Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 2011 Non-Profit Business of the Year for business practices and community involvement.
Partnered with various community organizations, Alexandria City Public Schools and the City of Alexandria government to extend our outreach to those in need and educate students for careers in healthcare.
Beneath these accomplishments lies tremendous hard work, collaboration and a commitment to serve others. I am forever grateful to my team for their partnership on this journey and for all that we have accomplished together.
I am also grateful to the Alexandria community for your support. Through the years, I have read your letters and emails, enjoyed meeting many of you at various events and appreciated your feedback. That dialogue served as a reality check to help us continually strive to serve you better, and I know that momentum will continue.
In parting, I wish you good health and look forward to hearing about the continued success of Inova Alexandria Hospital and this community. I’ll be following the hospital’s accomplishments and encourage you to do the same at inova.org.