Catholic Health names new COO

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Catholic Health has named a new chief operating officer and executive vice president.

Gary Havican is overseeing operations across the health system’s six hospitals, as well as its employed medical group, and home care and hospice services.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gary to Catholic Health,” Catholic Health President and CEO Patrick O’Shaughnessy said in a written statement.

“His track record for raising the bar in health care operations will greatly strengthen our commitment and efforts to deliver exceptional care at a consistently high standard system-wide,” O’Shaughnessy added.

O’Shaughnessy said that Havican brings a “proven know-how in operational leadership,” as well as expertise in “physician relations” that would  be instrumental to the health system’s continued expansion.

With more than 27 years of experience in system leadership, Havican most recently served as the president of Hartford HealthCare’s central region, part of a Connecticut-based $5.6 billion multi-hospital system. During his tenure, Healthgrades recognized his hospitals for outstanding patient experience, and the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded them 5-star ratings. He was also instrumental in the expansion of Hartford HealthCare’s MidState Medical Center and the creation of its Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, a hospital within a hospital dedicated exclusively to orthopedics and musculoskeletal care.

“I look forward to working with Catholic Health’s outstanding team of health care leaders and innovators, building on the exceptional momentum already in motion in its delivery of consumer-centric compassionate care in every patient encounter,” Havican said in a written statement.

Prior to Hartford HealthCare, Havican worked at Middlesex Health where he held progressively responsible positions, and served as vice president for strategic planning and ambulatory operations. Havican holds advanced degrees, including an MBA and a doctor of health sciences.