New CEO joins Banner Desert/Banner Children’s
MESA, Ariz. (May 12, 2008) -- Todd S. Werner, the new chief executive officer for Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Medical Center, was introduced to the hospitals’ staff in the best possible way—the first day of Hospital Week.
Werner, 40, joins Banner Health from the Adventist Health System where he has served as CEO of Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois, since 2003. Prior to that post, he served as CEO of the Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital in La Grange, Illinois, from 1999 to 2003.
He said the CEO position attracted him for two specific reasons: 1) Banner Desert/Banner Children’s well respected reputation for being a market leader and doing great work in the community, and 2) Banner Desert/Banner Children’s reputation for being progressive.
“It is not every hospital that looks to the needs of its community and says ‘we need a children’s hospital’ then goes about making it a reality,” said Werner. “As a leader, I look forward to working with the kind of team that looks to the future and makes things happen.”
One of the leaders instrumental in making the children’s hospital a reality was Rhonda Anderson, pediatric administrator for Banner Desert/Banner Children’s and regional pediatric service line administrator for Banner Health. Anderson had an additional role in the past seven months—she stepped in as Interim CEO until Werner was hired.
“Rhonda accepted the role and still maintained the level of accountability and activity required as the Pediatric Administrator,” said Lori Linder, CFO for Banner Desert/Banner Children’s. “She never missed a beat and she continues to act as a mentor and coach to so many staff. Rhonda works tirelessly and selflessly. It is never about accolades or kudos for her that she puts so much of herself into her work. It is all about the patient and what is right for them.”
Werner said it was that dedication to patient care that made him excited to get the call to join the team. Now that he is here, Werner is looking forward to chatting with the hospital’s trusted leadership so he can understand the framework of what is and what is to come.
“The beauty of Banner Desert/Banner Children’s is that the fundamental goal that everyone is shooting for is written right into your mission—making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. That mission transcends a one-pound baby or an adult needing cancer treatment,” said Werner.
About Banner Desert Medical Center
Banner Desert Medical Center is a 549-bed nonprofit hospital, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services for adults and children. Located in Mesa, Ariz., the hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the state.
