Premier Health President & CEO Jim Pancoast to retire

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DAYTON, Ohio – The Premier Health Board of Trustees announced Wednesday that Jim Pancoast, president & CEO of the health system, plans to retire at the end of the year after over 37 years of service to the people in the region.

Pancoast began his career with Premier as the controller of Miami Valley Hospital in 1979 and continued with the health system in a number of leadership roles including president of Fidelity Health Care, president of Premier HealthNet, president & CEO of Good Samaritan Hospital and Samaritan Health Partners, and as chief operating officer of Premier Health.

He has an undergraduate degree in accounting from The Ohio State University, and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Pancoast became the president and CEO of Premier Health in 2011, taking the lead for the largest health system in Southwest Ohio, during a period of significant and exciting change in the industry. To address these changes and to work on building healthier communities across the region, he worked with the Board of Trustees, physicians, and administration across the health system to foster more of a system approach for appropriate governance, clinical integration and operations—all designed to enhance quality and efficiency. This was done by bringing four hospitals, a home health company, and physician companies together, all successful as more independent entities, to actualize a strategic plan together.

“Jim has led Premier Health with innovative thinking and has put in place many of the foundational pieces that will continue to influence the organization for years to come,” said Anita Moore, chair of the Premier Health Board of Trustees. “He has been a thoughtful leader, always putting the health of the community at the forefront, and he has had the fortitude to take appropriate risks to put in place and accomplish the strategic goals of Premier.”

Pancoast recognized that as the future of healthcare unfolded, enhanced relationships with physicians would be a key to success and again worked with the Board of Trustees and administration to establish more physician leadership positions, including additional board positions; a Physician Partnership Committee which is a committee of the Board of Trustees; service line physician councils; the appointment of the first system chief medical officer and the first chief integration officer. In addition, leadership development opportunities have been put in place for physicians to prepare for future roles in the health system.

“While it is well known that physician leadership at the board and administrative levels is increasing across the country, Jim has taken a lead here to assure that physicians are truly part of the decision-making and leadership in all aspects of the organization,” said Dr. Darin Pangalangan, chair of the Premier Physician Partnership Committee. “By providing opportunities for physicians to take leadership roles, both now and in the future, is something that will be of benefit to the entire community.”

Pancoast recognized the need to address a new approach to the delivery of healthcare that combines the traditional focus of treating acute illness with one that also puts an emphasis on wellness and prevention, taking into consideration the needs of the community and putting a population health approach in place. To that end, he helped lead the efforts at Premier to put in place Premier Health Group, along with an insurance plan designed to be a vehicle to help improve the health of plan members.

“These system-wide strategic initiatives are forward thinking and are all done with the health of our communities in mind,” said Dan Sadlier, former Premier Health board chair. “Successfully bringing our boards, physicians, and entire staff together to address these important new strategies is the mark of innovative leadership.”

He has often referenced the work of the staff, physicians, and volunteers, including dedicated board members, as the reason that Premier has achieved successful outcomes over these many years.

He has served, through the years, in leadership roles with many organizations at the local, state and national levels including the boards of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Human Services Levy Council, the Dayton Development Coalition, the Dayton Foundation, the Dayton Art Institute, the Ohio Hospital Association, and The American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board.

Pancoast plans to spend more time with his family and in participating in a number activities he has long wanted to pursue.

In concert with Pancoast’s retirement, the Premier Health Board of Trustees has named Mary H. Boosalis as his successor. Boosalis will become president of Premier on March 1 and will become the health system’s president & CEO as of Jan. 1, 2017.

Previously Boosalis served as president & CEO of Miami Valley Hospital after being promoted from her role as chief operating officer. Since joining the organization in 1986 she has served in progressively expanded leadership roles. The two leaders have worked together for many years, which will ensure a smooth transition.

“Mary Boosalis has achieved an exceptional record of success as a leader with Premier Health,” said Moore. “She has been an unwavering champion for patients and staff, and has placed a focus on diversity that has been of benefit to the entire community. The Board is confident that Mary’s ability, expertise, and values will continue the tradition of excellence at Premier Health.”

“I am delighted that the Board has named Mary to be the next CEO of Premier Health,” added Pancoast. “Her unparalleled talent, experience, and leadership abilities will take Premier well into the future.”

Boosalis earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, magna cum laude, from California State University in Fresno and a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration, magna cum laude, from Arizona State University.

She is a diplomat of the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association Board and has served as president in the past. She is a member of the University of Dayton Board and serves as chair of the Finance Committee. She is a member of the Dayton Minority Inclusion Committee and the Learn to Earn Board, a past member of the Sinclair Community College Board, the Life Connection Board, and is a past chair of the Dayton area American Heart Association Board.

Mary Boosalis named successor

Staff report

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