For Immediate Release

Debra Bennis
Director Marketing & Community Relations
(610) 327-7464
Deb_Bennis@chs.net

POTTSTOWN MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

POTTSTOWN, PA (June 29, 2009) –  Pottstown Memorial Medical Center today announced that John Kirby has been appointed chief executive officer, effective immediately.  Kirby joined the hospital as chief operating officer in 2008 and has been serving as interim CEO since May.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the dedicated employees and medical staff at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center and I am proud to be a part of their commitment to provide high-quality healthcare for our community,” said Kirby.  “I look forward to building on the hospital’s many accomplishments and being a part of its future success.”

Kirby brings 17 years of clinical and administrative management experience to his new role.  Prior to joining Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, he served as vice president of clinical operations at Nazareth Hospital, a 200-bed community hospital in Philadelphia, where he had responsibility for a wide array of clinical and ancillary departments, physician recruitment and the development of key hospital services.  Kirby began his career as an occupational therapist, treating patients with hand and upper extremity injuries.

“John is an accomplished healthcare administrator who also has the unique perspective of a clinician,” said Richard Whittaker, M.D., chairman of the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center Board of Trustees.  “He brings an excellent balance of professional expertise and interpersonal skill to the CEO position, and I am certain he will help us to further strengthen Pottstown Memorial for long-term growth and service in our community.”

Kirby’s professional and community affiliations include the American College of Healthcare Executives, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Temple University in Philadelphia and a Master of Business Administration from Holy Family University in Philadelphia.  He and his wife, Amy, have two sons, Shaine who is six years old and Pierce who is three.