SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kenneth K. Westbrook, a leading executive in Southern California's health care industry, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Healthcare Holdings, Inc., effective immediately. IHHI owns and operates four acute care hospitals in Orange County, California: Western Medical Center -- Santa Ana, Western Medical Center -- Anaheim, Chapman Medical Center and Coastal Communities Hospital.
Though a newcomer to IHHI, Mr. Westbrook brings an insider's sensibility to his new post. Previously he ran 16 acute care hospitals in Southern California as senior vice president for Tenet Healthcare. When IHHI acquired four of those hospitals in northern Orange County several years ago, Mr. Westbrook helped managed the ownership change from Tenet to IHHI.
Maurice J. DeWald, IHHI's Chairman of the Board, hailed Mr. Westbrook's selection, saying: "His familiarity with our hospitals and the Orange County market will position the IHHI hospitals for a new level of success."
"I am excited to return working with the physicians, managers, employees and volunteers of the four IHHI hospitals," Westbrook said. "Together with the IHHI board and the senior management teams of the hospitals, we will position IHHI to achieve a high level of success and continue to serve their communities well."
Mr. Westbrook succeeds Bruce Mogel, who is leaving the company after several years as CEO to pursue other business opportunities. Mr. Mogel will remain with the company as a consultant for several months to ensure a smooth transition for the new CEO.
"I am delighted with Mr. Westbrook's selection," Mr. Mogel said. "I am going to do everything within my power to make sure he gets off to a good start."
Mr. Westbrook was born and raised in Southern California, graduating from Cantwell High School in Monte
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| SOURCE Integrated Healthcare Holdings, Inc. Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |