Gary J. Strong Named Chief Administrative Officer, Allina Hospitals & Clinics

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gary J. Strong will join Allina Hospitals & Clinics as chief administrative officer (CAO), effective July 16, 2007. He comes to Allina from Fairview Health Services, where he has been chief operating officer (COO) since 2005. Strong, 50, to will report to Allina President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Pettingill.

“Gary is a values-based leader with an accomplished record of success in improving clinical and operational performance and building exceptional teams,” said Pettingill. “His skills and experience will be invaluable to advancing our mission and quality agenda.”

Strong will have executive management responsibility for Human Resources, Strategy and Business Development, Compliance, Audit Services, Information Services, Communications, Public Relations and Marketing, Real Estate, Laboratory Services and Supply Chain and will serve on the Allina Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

“I am delighted to join one of the most forward-thinking, exciting health care organizations in our region,” said Strong. “With its breadth, depth and commitment to communities, Allina is poised to dramatically improve the way health care is delivered and the health of our communities.”

Before becoming COO of Fairview, Strong was president of Fairview Southdale Hospital & Clinics from 2003 to 2005. He joined Fairview as Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer in 1999. Prior to joining Fairview, Strong held operational leadership positions at Via Christi Health System in Wichita, Kan., Millard Fillmore Health System in Buffalo, N.Y., and St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Topeka, Kan.

Strong replaces Patty Jones, who resigned earlier this month.

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit health care system of hospitals, clinics and other patient care services that provides exceptional care to communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin and employs more than 22,000 people. Allina Hospitals & Clinics facilities, services and jobs can be found online at www.allina.com.