TULSA, Okla., June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Donald A. Lorack, President and CEO of Hillcrest HealthCare System announced his plans to assume the role of an advisor to the HHS Board of Trustees upon the completion of the transaction between HHS and Nashville-based Ardent Health Services. The sale of HHS to Ardent is anticipated to be completed this summer.
“While I am sincerely appreciative of the opportunity that Ardent extended to me to remain as President and CEO, the advisory role to the board and foundation is critically important to both parties; particularly as the foundation will provide transitional support services to those entities that will not transition to Ardent,” explains Lorack. “Additionally, it will afford the opportunity to ensure historical and constitutional knowledge for HHS moving forward and the new foundation.”
When Lorack joined HHS in 1991 it included one hospital, Hillcrest Medical Center. Today, the system has expanded to 16 hospitals, 40 physician clinics, more than 6,000 employees and 1,800 physicians. HHS services are accessible in 50 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, caring for more than 400,000 citizens.
“Don Lorack has had an incredible impact upon our community and Oklahoma’s healthcare industry,” explains David Cleveland, Chairman, HHS Board of Trustees. “Don was instrumental in gaining legislative support that has provided funding to numerous eastern Oklahoma healthcare entities. His commitment to quality medical care is evident in the number of ‘first- procedures’ performed through HHS entities, as well having assembled the state’s largest private academic affiliation program with more than 200 medical residents. His leadership and expertise is a critical link to the future success of the new foundation.”
“I am extremely pleased to announce that Kevin Gross will be joining HHS as president of the Oklahoma Region for Ardent Health Services,” states Lorack. “He has an outstanding reputation, extensive healthcare experience and is committed to continuing the tradition of quality care for the communities served.”
Gross, currently president and chief executive officer of United Regional Health Care System in Wichita Falls, Texas, will move to Tulsa in July.
Gross has more than 25 years of experience, working with all sectors of the hospital industry. He joined United Regional Health Care in May of 2000 and during his tenure has heightened the awareness of this system that includes two hospital campuses and 1,700 employees. Under his direction, the system has accomplished numerous goals, including the following:
- Initiated a master facility plan for the hospital campuses - Implemented a new patient satisfaction process and customer service initiative - Worked with nursing staff to increase retention rates
“We are delighted that Kevin Gross will be joining Ardent’s Oklahoma operations. Kevin’s expertise and experience are excellent matches for Ardent’s strategic vision for Hillcrest HealthCare System,” said Jamie E. Hopping, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Ardent Health Services.
Hillcrest HealthCare System has more than 6,000 employees and 1,800 physicians in its network and includes two major tertiary facilities in Tulsa -- Hillcrest Medical Center, a 557-licensed bed medical center that was the city’s first hospital, and Tulsa Regional Medical Center, a 331-licensed bed facility which is the nation’s largest osteopathic teaching hospital.
Ardent Health Services is a provider of health care services to communities throughout the United States. Ardent currently owns 27 hospitals in 13 states, providing a full range of medical/surgical, psychiatric and substance abuse services to patients ranging from children to adults.
Ardent Health Services
CONTACT: Tyra Palmer for Hillcrest HealthCare System, +1-918-579-7974
