Silver Cross Hospital names new president, CEO
NEW LENOX - Silver Cross Hospital has selected Ruth A. Colby to become the hospital's new president and CEO, effective Oct. 1.
Colby will replace President and CEO Paul Pawlak, who last year announced his intent to retire Sept. 30. He has served in that capacity for 27 years, making him the longest serving CEO at the hospital.
Colby is currently senior vice president business development and chief strategy officer at Silver Cross.
The hospital's board of directors, with the help of an outside consultant, selected Colby following a thorough and deliberate process to find a successor.
"Ruth was selected because of her successful leadership track record at Silver Cross in combination with her proven strategic abilities that have been instrumental in effectively positioning the hospital for growth in a fast changing healthcare market," said Douglas Hutchison Jr., chairman of the Silver Cross board of directors. "We know that Ruth will preserve and advance our strong ties to our community and with our medical staff."
In addition to Silver Cross Hospital, she has held leadership positions at University of Chicago Medicine and Solucient (now Truven Health Analytics). She continues to serve on numerous community boards, such as the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission, University of Chicago Medicine Cancer Research Women's Board, Will County MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning & Partnerships) Collaborative, and Board Member for Advocate Physicians Partners.
She earned her bachelor's degree at Northwestern University, a master's degree at New York University and an MBA at University of Chicago.
"In addition to knowing Silver Cross well, Ruth understands many of the issues impacting physicians and the practice of medicine," added Corinne Nawrocki, D.O., Chief of the Silver Cross medical staff. "We look forward to working with her and the Silver Cross team to continue to deliver the best care for our patients."
During his tenure, Pawlak has been recognized for overseeing Silver Cross Hospital's strong period of growth, the opening of a $362 million replacement hospital in 2012, exemplary patient satisfaction and numerous industry awards and national rankings, including receiving the prestigious 100 Top Hospital award for seven consecutive years.