August 31, 2002

Genesis Health System Reaches Organizational Milestone

After eight years of successful growth, Genesis Health System will undergo an important organizational change to better meet the demands of its expanding system.

Currently, Leo Bressanelli serves as CEO of both Genesis Health System and Genesis Medical Center. He announced Friday that the role of CEO of the Health System and Genesis Medical Center will now become two distinct leadership positions.

Bressanelli will continue in his role as CEO of Genesis Health System. The evaluation process will immediately begin for the selection of the new CEO of Genesis Medical Center, he said.

This new chapter in the Health System's development comes with the support of the Boards of Directors of Genesis Medical Center and Genesis Health System.

"From its beginning, this step has been envisioned as part of the natural development of Genesis Health System," Bressanelli said. "We have experienced very positive growth in these past eight years to bring cost-effective services to a broader, bi-state region."

This evolution began in 1993 when the boards of St. Luke's and Mercy Hospitals in Davenport came together to begin consolidation discussions, resulting in the creation of Genesis Medical Center in 1994 and the subsequent birth of Genesis Health System. The Health System's growth has continued with the addition of Illini and DeWitt Community Hospitals, extensive physician organizations, a behavioral health services organization and the Genesis Heart Institute; the consolidation of three visiting nurse associations; and the development of multiple strategic partnerships and joint ventures. In the past eight years, the number of employees with Genesis Health System has grown from approximately 2,400 to just over 5,000, positioning it as the third largest employer in the Quad Cities, he added.

"Through these achievements as the Quad City region's very own health system, we have preserved our commitment to our mission -- to provide compassionate, quality health services to all those in need," Bressanelli said.

"The strength of our health system and its success has been the result of the dedication of our staff, physicians and Boards of Directors. With their continued commitment to excellence, we can look forward to continuing to fulfill our mission to the Quad City community." 

The selection process may take up to six months, and Bressanelli will continue as CEO of Genesis Medical Center during that time. Candidates will be considered by a search committee to be established by the Board of Directors of Genesis Medical Center.