ORLANDO, Fla., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Kurt A. Kazanowski has been named general manager of VITAS Innovative Hospice Care(R) of Central Florida. VITAS’ Central Florida program serves Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties.
Kazanowski is a seasoned executive with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience in a variety of healthcare settings. His previous hospice experience includes senior positions with Seasons Hospice in Chicago and Hospice of Michigan. Prior to his career in the hospice industry, Kazanowski spent 13 years in Farmington Hills’ Mercy Health Service System at three different hospitals. He began his healthcare career in nursing, serving as a public health nurse for the Oakland County Health Division in Michigan.
In a consultative capacity, Kazanowski has assisted more than 25 organizations, including community groups, hospices and hospitals, in all aspects of business development. He is the author of several articles, serves as a board member at various community organizations, and is a noted industry speaker.
“I’m excited to be part of VITAS’ Central Florida program and to have the opportunity to use my past experience to contribute to the highest quality hospice care for our community’s patients and families,” said Kazanowski.
Kazanowski received his bachelor of science degree in nursing from Mercy College, Detroit, Michigan, earning Mercy College’s highest honor -- The Catherine McCauley Award -- conferred for academic, leadership and clinical excellence. He received his master of science degree in health services admission from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, and completed postgraduate work in business at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan.
About VITAS
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, a pioneer and leader in the hospice movement since 1978, is the nation’s largest provider of end-of-life care. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS operates 25 hospice programs in eight states (Florida, New Jersey, California, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin). VITAS, which has evolved from its founding as a volunteer organization by a United Methodist minister and an oncology nurse, today employs 6,300 professionals who care for more than 8,200 terminally ill patients daily, primarily in the patients’ homes, but also in the company’s 18 hospice inpatient units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities/residential care facilities for the elderly. The name VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) is derived from the Latin word for “lives.” It symbolizes the VITAS mission: To preserve the quality of life for those who have a limited time to live.
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
CONTACT: Mark Cohen, VP, Communications & Public Relations of VITASHealthcare Corporation, +1-305-350-5905; or Deborah Adams, Senior AccountExecutive of Hill & Knowlton, +1-202-944-1903, for VITAS Innovative HospiceCare