BCHS names new president/CEO

New president & CEO Denise Brooks-Williams

(Battle Creek, MI)--The boards of BCHS Community Partners and Battle Creek Health System are pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Brooks-Williams as president and CEO of BCHS. She replaces Pat Garrett who is leaving for a new executive role with one of hospital's 'parent' organizations, Trinity Health. She will begin her new position on April 20, 2009.

Brooks-Williams, a native of Michigan, brings nearly 20 years of health care senior executive leadership to Battle Creek. She has worked at Detroit Medical Center and Mercy Hospital strengthening the operating performance in numerous areas including physician networks, ambulatory development, and advocacy. Most recently she served as vice president of operations responsible for ancillary and diagnostic services and oncology program development at St. Joseph Mercy (SJMO) in Oakland, Michigan. She also served as interim CEO of SJMO in 2004.

"Denise is known and respected across Trinity Health for her ability to lead in times of change, " says Nelson Karre, chair of the Battle Creek Health System board of trustees and co-chair of the search committee. "She has the ability to enhance the quality of patient care and to strengthen the bonds between a hospital and its community."

"She is a demonstrated leader and innovative thinker who addresses business challenges through financial and strategic planning," adds Neil Nyberg, chair of the BCHS Community Partners board. "She has experience in working with not only her communities, but also with strengthening bonds with medical staffs. We welcome her to Battle Creek."

"Throughout her career, Denise has exhibited qualities as a leader, mentor, teacher, supporter, and role model," says Mike Slubowski, president, Hospital and Health Networks at Trinity Health. "Her dedication and devotion to the health and well-being of patients are evident in all of her endeavors."

Brooks-Williams holds bachelors and masters degrees in health services administration from the University of Michigan. She began her career as a management fellow at Mercy Hospital in Detroit. She has been active in numerous professional groups including serving as president of the National Association of Health Services Executives, the largest minority health professional organization in the United States.

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is a 443-bed comprehensive community hospital in Oakland County. It is a member of Trinity Health, the fourth largest Catholic health care system in the United States.

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 as 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.