Methodist Hospital President and CEO Dennis Lee Announces Retirement

Methodist Hospital President and CEO Dennis Lee announced Friday he plans to retire in 2012.
“I want to express my gratitude and praise for the support that everyone has provided me over the almost 20 years that I have been associated with the hospital,” Lee stated in a memo to hospital employees. “Working here, and with such dedicated people, has been a blessing and an honor that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Lee gave his retirement date as Feb. 3, 2012, which will be his 67th birthday. On this day he will have been with the hospital for more than 20 years, serving the last 17 as President and CEO.
“In the last two decades, with Dennis at the helm, Methodist Hospital has focused its efforts and resources on providing the best health care possible, continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community,” said Michael Hoover, chairman of the hospital’s board of directors.
The hospital’s numerous expansion and construction projects reflect its commitment to serve its patients. Among these projects:
•The Berger Tower, a modern 150,000-square-foot inpatient facility, constructed in 1998.
•Cardiac catheterization laboratory expanded
•Labor and delivery service renovated
•The newest project, a five-story patient tower with enhanced emergency capabilities, scheduled to be completed in August 2011
“Dennis has provided the organization with 20 years of extraordinary leadership,” said Kelly Linden, senior vice president/chief operating officer. “During his tenure he provided the strategic oversight to advance the care we provide our patients and ensure the availability of the comprehensive services our community deserves.”
Under Lee’s leadership, the hospital also received several commendations and awards, including:
•Top 100 Hospital in 1993
•Top 100 Cardiac Hospital in 2003
•Distinguished Hospital award by HealthGrades and JD Power and Associates in 2003
Lee received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin and has 37 years of experience in hospital administration. He has served as a member of the Board of the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems and the Hospital Association of Southern California. He currently chairs the California Hospital Association’s Public Advocacy Task Force.

Lee has actively served the community in many roles, including serving on the Board of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Heart Association. He presently serves on the boards of the Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills and the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, and is a Commissioner of the Emergency Medical Services Commission and a member of the Rotary Club of Arcadia.
Lee and his wife, Carolyn, plan to relocate to Prescott, Ariz., as soon as his successor assumes his responsibilities.
About Methodist Hospital
Founded in 1903, Methodist Hospital is a 460-bed, not-for-profit hospital serving Arcadia and surrounding communities. Services include comprehensive acute care such as medical, surgical, perinatal, pediatrics, oncology, intensive care (neonatal and adult) and complete cardiovascular services, including open-heart surgery. Methodist Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s main standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. For more information, visit www.methodisthospital.org.

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