10/08/10 Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) today announced the appointment of Albert L. Gutierrez to President and Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Interim President and CEO Thomas A. Reitinger. Gutierrez will take his post at the hospital on November 15, 2010.

“I am personally delighted that Al sought this position and agreed to join us at SJRMC,” said Mike Hammes, Chairman of SJRMC’s Board of Trustees. “He has done a phenomenal job leading Shore Memorial and, in him, we have an energetic and enthusiastic leader who will be able to continue the momentum built by Tom and take our hospital forward to a new level. He brings the kind of thoughtful and decisive leadership this position demands. We are fortunate to have him.”

Gutierrez has been with Shore Memorial Health System in Somers Point, New Jersey, since 1985, and has served as the President and CEO since 2002.  His administrative experience includes several other senior leadership positions, including Administrative Director of Radiology, Administrative Director of Professional Services, CQI, and Regulatory Affairs, and Vice President of Professional Affairs.

Shore Memorial Health System is the parent corporation of four related subsidiary corporations: Shore Memorial Hospital, Shore Health Services Corporation, Shore Health Enterprises, Inc., and Shore Memorial Health Foundation, Inc. Under Gutierrez’ leadership, Shore Memorial Health System enjoyed rapid growth with the building of a cancer center, cardiovascular center, and surgical expansion. Gutierrez also developed an affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania Healthcare System, which has been crucial to the future of healthcare in the Somers Point communities.

After 25 years of service to the hospital, though, Gutierrez sought a change that would put him to work in a faith-based setting.

“The opportunity to lead at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center was attractive to me and my wife, Margaret, for its reputation and its ties to a renowned national Catholic health care system,” said Gutierrez.  “With its strong ties to the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College and the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, SJRMC is the perfect place for me at this point in my career. I am delighted about getting started and about partnering with associates, leadership, and medical staff to serve patients and their families in Michiana communities.”

Of Gutierrez, Reitinger said: “Our Board of Trustees has made an excellent decision in appointing Al as he embodies the Mission of Saint Joseph and Trinity Health. His enthusiasm and experience, combined with the energy our new hospital creates, will provide an exciting future for SJRMC and everyone we serve.”

Gutierrez holds a B.S. in Radiologic Science from Thomas A. Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, and an M.B.A. from St. Joseph University in Philadelphia. He is married with two adult children.

SJRMC opened it’s 254 all private inpatient room hospital on December 14, 2009. It is a member of Trinity Health, the fourth largest Catholic healthcare system in the United States that encompasses 46 hospitals.

Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) is a not-for-profit, multi-hospital healthcare system located in North Central Indiana, offering a full range of services. SJRMC includes: a 254-bed acute care hospital at our Mishawaka Campus; a 70-bed acute care hospital at our Plymouth Campus; the Saint Joseph Rehabilitation Center, a 40-bed inpatient rehab facility; Outpatient services of the Elm Road Medical Campus; the Saint Joseph Physician Network that includes 18 practices with over 50 physicians.

A Ministry organization of Trinity Health, SJRMC offers faith-based, personalized care in a diverse and team-oriented environment. Its Nursing Staff is currently on the Journey to Magnet Status and it is continually engaged in improving technology and patient care process. In December 2009, SJRMC opened the doors to its new, world-class $355 million hospital at 5215 Holy Cross Parkway in Mishawaka and consolidated all of its existing facilities in South Bend and downtown Mishawaka at the new Campus. All inpatient rooms at all SJRMC facilities are private. For more information, visit www.sjmed.com