Long-Time HealthEast CEO Announces Retirement

ST. PAUL, MN--(Marketwire - Apr 27, 2011) - HealthEast Care System President & CEO Tim Hanson today announced his decision to retire after more than 38 years with the organization. His retirement will be effective in January 2012. Hanson has served as President and CEO since 1989.

Hanson shared his retirement plans now to provide ample time to complete the recruitment and hiring process. A national search of both internal and external candidates will be conducted with the goal to select and onboard a new CEO by the end of 2011.

"My lifelong passion has been to provide our patients with the highest quality health care," Hanson says. HealthEast has been named a Top 10 U.S. health care system by Thomson Reuters. Health care systems which received this recognition outperformed their peers by providing better care, following standards of care more closely, saving more lives, creating fewer patient complications, making fewer patient safety errors, and earning better overall patient satisfaction scores. "I believe we have achieved that goal. HealthEast is the benchmark for health care quality in the Twin Cities."

Hanson began his career as an Administrator and Vice President of Bethesda Hospital in 1973. Bethesda became part of the HealthEast system when it was formed in 1986. Hanson first served as Executive Vice President, and in 1989, became HealthEast President and CEO.

During Hanson's tenure, HealthEast has achieved significant accomplishments. In recent years, HealthEast and its hospitals have received much recognition such as:

• Best Place to Work by both the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal and Modern Healthcare
• Gallup Great Workplace Award
• St. John's Hospitals named one of America's best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
• Woodwinds named a Top 100 Hospital by Thomson Reuters
• St. Joseph's Hospital named 100 Top Hospital for cardiovascular care by Thomson Reuters
• For exemplary work on its Care Navigation Strategy, HealthEast received the 2010 Innovation of the Year in Patient Care award from the Minnesota Hospital Association and an Innovation of the Year award from HealthPartners.
• Bethesda Hospital received the Award of Exemplary Distinction for Behavioral Program/Brain Injury Services -- from CARF

During his distinguished career, he has served as Chair or President of the Minnesota Hospital Association, VHA Upper Midwest, St. Paul United Way Campaign, University of Minnesota Program in Healthcare Administration Alumni Association Foundation, and the Town & Country Club.

He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Hospital Association, the Regional Policy Board 6 of the American Hospital Association, VHA Upper Midwest, Minnesota Business Partnership, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, Capital City Partnership, Boy Scouts of America/Indianhead Council and the Town & Country Club.

Fred Harris, Chair of the Board of Directors, notes that Hanson has created a unique culture of compassionate care at HealthEast. "The Board is committed to preserving the unique and special culture of HealthEast as it considers CEO candidates," he says. "We are confident that we will ensure a smooth transition of leadership and continuity of operations and strategic mission."