Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh CEO To Lead Hospital Foundation

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For Immediate Release

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh CEO To Lead Hospital Foundation

Ronald L. Violi to focus efforts on fund-raising for new Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pa. - September 27, 2004 -

Now that the dispute with UPMC is settled, Ronald L. Violi, announced today he will focus his efforts as president and CEO of the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the hospital.

Violi, who has been serving as president and CEO of the hospital and the Foundation, will now concentrate on the task of raising funds for the construction of the new hospital campus, as well as enhancing Children's programs. This move will become effective December 31, 2004.

"I've accomplished what I've set out to," said Violi. "Over the years, we've worked hard to maintain Children's outstanding reputation as one of the top pediatric hospitals in the world, while at the same time making it financially viable. Now, we will have a world-class children's hospital and research facility. I plan on spending all of my time to raise the funds to support Children's mission."

When Violi was selected as Children's chief executive officer in 1998, the hospital was facing serious financial losses for the first time in its history. Under his leadership, Children's Hospital began posting financial gains. A dynamic pediatric resource for the tri-state region, Children's is consistently ranked one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

"The impact Ron has had on children's health care in this region and his dedication to children are unmatched," said Mary Jo Howard Dively, chair, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees. "Ron's service to the community will continue and I, along with the board, will be honored to continue working with him at the Foundation to ensure the mission of the hospital does not change."

Violi was elected to Children's Board of Trustees in 1987 and has served on a variety of board committees over the years. Most importantly, Violi's sound business sense helped steer Children's Hospital and its board safely through Pittsburgh's transition to managed health care. As a result, he was named chair of the Board of Trustees in October 1997, and appointed CEO in 1998.

"I believe my efforts are now best served in leading the Foundation to ensure its overall success," Violi said. "Although I will not be directly involved with the day-to-day operations of the hospital, as president and CEO of the Foundation I will continue working closely with the world-class clinicians and staff who are the heart and soul of Children's. It's the miracles that happen every day at Children's that have kept me going. That is never going to change."

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has been caring for children and providing services to pediatric patients for more than a century.

Contacts:
Dean Walters or Melanie Finnigan, 412-692-5016

Last Update
February 19, 2008

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