Garrett transitioning from BCHS to Trinity Health

After a decade of servant leadership, Battle Creek Health System President and CEO Patrick Garrett is stepping aside from his BCHS position to take on a new executive role with one of hospital's 'parent' organizations, Trinity Health. Battle Creek Health System is a unique 50-50 partnership between Trinity Health, the nation's fourth largest Catholic health care system, and BCHS Community Partners, representing the community ownership of the hospital.

"Pat has delivered great leadership and commitment to our community," says Nelson Karre, president of the BCHS board of trustees and co-chair of the CEO search process. "He has been an unselfish leader, one whose door has always been open for others. We certainly wish Pat and Joyce and their family the very best as he takes this new and exciting role for Trinity Health."

"Pat has been a highly effective leader at Battle Creek Health System this past decade helping to strengthen the important role BCHS plays in our community," adds Neil Nyberg, chair of the BCHS Community Partners board. "His legacy of quality, service, and integrity is one that we greatly value. We appreciate all he has done for this organization and for our community at-large."

Garrett was selected as the second CEO at Battle Creek Health System in 1999, succeeding Stephen Abbott. His many accomplishments include strong community involvement; growing partnership with medical staff; and marked improvements in finances, quality, and service. During his tenure, BCHS was honored for outstanding clinical outcomes by HealthGrades, the nation's leading independent health care ratings company and the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer; named one of the nation's leaders in development of an electronic medical record by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine; and has been recognized for six consecutive years as one of West Michigan's 'Best and Brightest Places to Work' by Michigan Business & Professional Association.

"For the past nine years, Patrick Garrett has earned both the respect and admiration of medical staff, associates, and community members for his skillful and honest leadership," says Chris Christ, past chair of both the BCHS board of trustees and BCHS Community Partners, and an active participant in the formation of BCHS in the 1980s. "His collaborative style and ability to forge and nurture effective partnerships will certainly serve him well in his new position as it has for us over the past ten years."

"Pat has done a great deal to align the medical staff," says Dr. Jeffrey Jones, BCHS chief of staff. "His honest and transparent leadership style and accessibility to medical staff will certainly be missed."

"It is with mixed emotions that I draw to a close this important chapter in my life to transition into a new role with Trinity Health," says Garrett. "It has been a privilege to serve at BCHS, but the opportunity to use my skills nationally is a unique challenge and comes at the right time in my career."

Garrett will be helping to transition Denise Brooks-Williams, newly appointed president and CEO when she arrives on April 20.

About a year ago, Trinity Health approached Garrett with an opportunity to spearhead corporate performance improvement and to perform executive consulting for the corporate office. It offered a special role as a system vice president that will allow him to make an even more significant contribution to Trinity Health Ministry Organizations across the United States.

"After many years in health care, it has been my intention to retire in the coming few years," says Garrett. "Weighing the Trinity offer and my career horizon, I decided that stepping aside now would assure a thoughtful and orderly CEO transition process. It allows me to do the right thing for BCHS and to enjoy a new challenge over the coming years."

Garrett continued, "I'm proud of all we have accomplished at BCHS and hope our community recognizes what a fine health system we have here."

Garrett received his Bachelors Degree in business administration from Ferris State University and his M.S. in health service management from the University of Missouri.

Before coming to Battle Creek, he was the administrative executive officer at Deaconess Billings Clinic Health System in Montana; president of The Garrett Group; president and CEO of St. Francis Hospital in Florida; and president and CEO of Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Missouri.

Garrett is a Diplomate in the American College of Healthcare Executives, a member of the American Medical Group Association and Medical Group Management Association, and served as an officer of the Hospital Purchasing Service and Preferred Health Professionals.

Community involvement in greater Battle Creek has included board and leadership positions with the Albion Health Care Alliance, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, Battle Creek Unlimited, 2004 community campaign co-chair of the local United Way annual fund drive, Family Health Center, Minority Health Partnership, and PACE. He has also been a member of the Battle Creek Rotary Club.

Trinity and BCHS Community Partners are aligned around a steadfast mission to provide excellence in health care to all in the community.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.

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Side Bar
There will be a farewell reception for outgoing BCHS President and CEO Pat Garrett on Monday, April 13, in the hospital's outpatient center. A short program will run from 5-5:30 p.m. in the OPC atrium followed by an informal meet-and-greet from 5:30-7 in the OPC conference rooms. The public is invited to attend.