News
Sutter Health CEO Elected Board Chair of California Hospital Association
Patrick E. Fry Will Lead Hospital Trade Association in 2010
SACRAMENTO, January 26, 2010 - Patrick E. Fry, president and CEO of the Sutter Health network in Northern California, has been elected 2010 chair of the California Hospital Association (CHA) Board of Trustees.
“It’s truly an honor to lead an association as respected as CHA,” Fry stated. “Without the advocacy efforts of CHA, California’s hospitals would find it increasingly difficult to continue providing access to high-quality patient care in local communities throughout the state.”
Fry noted that the state’s current budget crisis and the uncertainties surrounding national health care reform make the coming year especially critical for hospitals and other health care providers in the state.
“We must be vigilant in our advocacy efforts to ensure that hospitals are able to meet the growing expectations of our patients while making health care more affordable and accessible to all,” he said. “At the same time, we also must make certain that hospitals are adequately compensated for the care they provide.”
Fry, a graduate of UC Davis, earned his master’s degree in health services administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He joined Sutter in 1982 as an administrative resident, rising steadily through the ranks of the organization’s leadership before becoming its president and CEO in 2005. The Sutter Health network includes physician organizations, not-for-profit hospitals and other health care services providers throughout Northern California. Fry is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE), the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and the Leadership Institute.
In addition to his professional duties, Fry also has served on numerous boards of community and charitable organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way, Diogenes Youth Services and the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce.
CHA President and CEO C. Duane Dauner called Fry “an exceptional choice” to serve as CHA’s Board Chair during such challenging times.
“California’s community hospitals will be well-served by having Pat Fry guide our association this coming year,” Dauner said. “Pat’s in-depth knowledge and experience will make him an effective advocate with state and federal policymakers on behalf of hospitals and the patients who receive care.”
Other officers elected to the CHA Board of Trustees for 2010 are Chair-Elect Ronald C. Werft, president and CEO of Cottage Health System, Santa Barbara; Secretary-Treasurer Steven J. Packer, M.D., president and CEO, Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula; and Past Chair Arnold R. Schaffer, vice president and CEO, Providence Health and Services, California Region, Burbank.
As one of the largest health care trade associations in the nation, CHA represents more than 400 hospitals and health systems in California. The association provides its members with public policy development, issues management and legislative advocacy services at the state and federal levels. CHA has offices in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Contact
Jan Emerson
(916) 552-7516
(916) 804-0663 – Cell
