Kirby Bates Associates Seeks CEO for Community-University Health Care Center

October 11, 2022 – Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates was recently enlisted by the University of Minnesota (UMN) to find a chief executive officer for its Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC). Leading the assignment are Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter; Troy Keach, vice president search services; and Dennis Kain, senior vice president search services.

The CEO will be responsible for the overall direction and management of CUHCC.  In addition to working in collaboration with the chief clinical officer on clinical matters, the CEO is responsible for educational, research programs as well as leading and directing the center in achieving its mission and operational, financial and strategic goals, along with its administrative activities. “The CEO will serve at the intersection of healthcare delivery, public services, and health professional education,” said Kirby Bates Associates.

CUHCC’s next leader will be expected to work collaboratively to build a strong system of healthcare delivery that meets the needs of patients. The CEO must also provide empathetic and practical leadership for CUHCC leaders and staff. He or she will also be charged with building strong, positive relationships across the university’s health sciences, its schools, departments, faculty, and students. Promoting the image and visibility of CUHCC within the community is also a key part of the role.

Key Qualifications

Candidates must have 15 years related experience, said the search firm. This preferably includes having served as a CEO/president, COO, CMO, vice president of operations, VP ambulatory, or executive director. A master’s degree in healthcare, public or business administration, and/or a terminal health professional degree is also required.

Prospects should have experience managing a large, complex community-based healthcare clinic; FQHC experience is preferred. Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills is essential. Proven ability to work with diverse communities is preferred.

CUHCC provides medical, dental and mental healthcare, legal support, advocacy for domestic abuse and sexual assault, and more with over 60,000 visits annually. The center’s patient population comes from over 12 different racial and ethnic groups. CUHCC, which opened its doors in 1966, is a FQHC community-based health center, part of the UMN’s Office of Academic Clinical Affairs and serves as a clinical training site for programs across the health sciences and the University of Minnesota.

Nurse Entrepreneurs

Founded in 1988 as Bates & Associates by two leading nurse entrepreneurs, Kirby Bates Associates has been continuously owned and operated by nursing executives. The firm offers portfolio of leadership services including interim leadership, executive search, leadership coaching and operations consulting. Melissa Fitzpatrick was named president of Kirby Bates in 2020. In 2017, the company became part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies.

Related: Kirby Bates Associates Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for UCSF Health Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

Ms. Engebrecht brings more than 20 years of healthcare executive recruitment experience, having worked in two other specialty search firms before joining the firm. As a talent acquisition specialist, she partners with healthcare leaders to learn about their career trajectory and future professional goals, as they explore the next step in their career. She also strives to fully comprehend the unique needs of our clients in order to meet the recruitment needs of the organizations Kirby Bates Associates serves.

Mr. Keach brings more than 20 years experience to his role. His healthcare career started at Mayo Clinic where he supported a for-profit division of Mayo Clinic with a focus on the East Coast. Since then, Mr. Keach’s diverse executive experience includes hospital and clinic operations, mergers and acquisitions, and academic healthcare systems. A seasoned healthcare executive, with several years in the private equity industry, he has served as president of Minnesota Eye Consultants, CEO for Surgical Care Affiliates in Minnesota, chief operating officer for FirstLight Health System, and president and CEO of a medical supply and equipment company.

Mr. Kain joined Kirby Bates in 2021 during the merger with Tyler & Company. He had been with Tyler & Company since 2000. Mr. Kain’s career spans more than 40 years and includes extensive leadership experience in healthcare operations, hospital management, and national consulting. His expertise working within provider settings, including serving as a hospital CEO, strengthens his understanding of the qualities, knowledge and vision needed to create and lead a successful executive team. Mr. Kain has conducted CEO, senior executive and physician executive searches for large health networks, academic medical centers, independent physician practices and community hospitals across the country.

Last year, Kirby Bates Associates and Tyler & Company merged business operations. The unified organization operates under the Kirby Bates Associates brand. Tyler & Company has provided healthcare executive search services for over 40 years. The firm joined the Jackson Healthcare family of companies in 2013.

Related: Kirby Bates Associates Seeks Chief Nursing Officer for Winchester Medical Center

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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