Dallas, Texas - November 3, 2011 - CHRISTUS Health, one of the 10 largest Catholic health systems in the U.S., has named Richard L. Clarke, DHA, FHFMA to a two-year term as the chair of its board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2012.
"Dick has dedicated his career to improving our nation's health and the health of the organizations that provide care to those who need it" said Ernie Sadau, president and CEO of CHRISTUS Health. "His experience in health care finance and familiarity with the challenges and opportunities on the horizon for health care providers across the country is invaluable. But perhaps more importantly, his commitment to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, his vision for value-driven health care and his passion for ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate, high-quality care make him the right choice to lead our board of directors through a time of change for the entire health care industry."
Clarke will also continue serving on many important committees of the CHRISTUS board, including the Executive Compensation, Audit, Finance and Strategy Committees and the Investment Subcommittee.
"I am very honored to be asked to serve in this role," Dick Clarke said. "I will work to continue the excellent board leadership demonstrated by the current chair of the CHRISTUS Health Board of Directors, Cathy Dulle, and all those who preceded her."
Clarke, who has served on the CHRISTUS Health Board of Directors since 2008, recently announced that he will retire as president and chief executive officer of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) on July 31, 2012. HFMA is a professional membership association with more than 37,000 members in 68 chapters who share an interest in the financial management of the delivery of health care services. Clarke has been president and chief executive officer since 1986.
"We are extremely blessed to have someone with Dick Clarke's extensive experience and understanding of health care accept this important role," said Sister Yolanda Tarango, congregational coordinator of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio, one of the sponsoring congregations of CHRISTUS Health. "Through the years we have been gratified by his knowledge, compassion, and deep commitment to the success of our mission. It is apparent that health care will face even more complex challenges in the coming years. We feel confident that with Dick's guidance and with the support of the CHRISTUS Health board of directors, our founding ministry will meet these challenges and continue to provide services for '… the sick and infirm of every kind.' "
"The CHRISTUS Health Board of Directors is very fortunate to have Dr. Clarke as its newest leader," said Sister Lillian Anne Healy, congregational leader of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, one of the sponsoring congregations of CHRISTUS Health. "He will provide financial and operational leadership, thus helping CHRISTUS to continue providing excellent and compassionate care in all its ministries both here in the United States and internationally".
Clarke is a past Chair of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education and a former chair of AHA Financial Solutions, Inc. Additionally, he has served on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Advisory Council. He currently serves on the Finance and Strategy Committee for Catholic Healthcare Partners in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Clarke holds an instructor faculty position in the Department of Health Systems Management at Rush University in Chicago and the MBA in Health program for the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida.
About CHRISTUS Health
CHRISTUS Health, an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system, is headquartered in Dallas and is comprised of almost 350 services and facilities, including more than 50 hospitals and long-term care facilities, 175 clinics and outpatient centers and dozens of other health ministries and ventures. CHRISTUS services can be found in 60 cities in Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Georgia and New Mexico in the U.S. and Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas in Mexico. The system employs approximately 30,000 Associates and has over 8,000 physicians on facility medical staffs who provide care and support for patients. CHRISTUS Health is listed among the top ten Catholic health systems in the U.S., and provided more than $229.8 million in total community benefit in Fiscal Year 2010, which equates to more than $629,000 a day in community benefits.
Contact CHRISTUS Health
Contact: Abby Lowe,
(214) 492-8513
abby.lowe@christushealth.org
About HFMA
The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) provides the resources healthcare organizations need to achieve sound fiscal health in order to provide excellent patient care. With more than 37,000 members, HFMA is the nation's leading membership organization of healthcare finance executives and leaders. HFMA helps its members achieve results by providing education, analysis, and guidance, and creating practical tools and solutions that optimize financial management. The organization is a respected and innovative thought leader on top trends and challenges facing the healthcare finance industry. From addressing capital access to improved patient care to technology advancement, HFMA is an indispensable resource on healthcare finance issues.
Contact HFMA
Jay Keltner
Healthcare Financial Management Association
(800) 252-HFMA, ext. 329
jkeltner@hfma.org