FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Jodi Ritacca
Senior Public Relations Specialist
651-232-6410
jritacca@healtheast.org

Woodbury, MN - March 10, 2010 - HealthEast Care System is pleased to announce that Tom Schmitt has accepted the offer to become the new Chief Executive Officer at Woodwinds Health Campus when Julie Schmidt moves into her new role as Chief Transformation Officer for HealthEast.

“I look forward to continuing the passion, innovation and unique culture of service at Woodwinds as we grow to meet the needs of our patients in Woodbury and surrounding communities,” said Schmitt, who’s an accomplished executive with more than 20 years experience in organizational leadership. He has served as Operations Executive at Woodwinds for nearly five years.

Tom shares the passion and vision that has been a hallmark of Woodwinds’ culture over the past 10 years. HealthEast is confident Tom’s strong foundation in health care strategy, business development and leadership will ensure continued benchmark achievements for Woodwinds.

He holds a Masters in Health care Administration from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelors of Arts in Economics and Finance from the University of St. Thomas.

Tom and Julie will partner closely over the next couple of weeks to ensure a smooth transition when Tom officially begins as CEO on March 22.

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HealthEast Care System is a community-focused, non-profit health care organization that provides innovative technology, compassionate care and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda Hospital, St. John’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Woodwinds Health Campus as well as outpatient services, clinics, home care, pharmacies and medical transportation services.  Practicing financial responsibility, HealthEast is the largest, locally-owned health care organization in the Twin Cities’ East Metro with 7,300 employees, 1,200 volunteers and 1,400 physicians on staff.