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Silver Cross Hospital CEO to retire in 2017

NEW LENOX - Silver Cross Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Pawlak announced he will retire in October 2017.

As the longest serving CEO in the hospital's history, Pawlak oversaw a strong period of growth that led to the opening of a new $362 million, 296-bed facility in 2012. Under Pawlak's direction, partnerships were developed with the academic institutions including the University of Chicago Medicine for oncology services, The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Lurie Children's Hospital for pediatric services and Northwestern Medicine for neurosciences.

"We are clearly indebted to Paul for his 26 years of remarkable leadership, exceptional vision and unwavering commitment," said Douglas Hutchison, Jr., chairman of the board of directors. "All one needs to do is visit our campus, look at the national rankings, examine health care industry awards and patient satisfaction scores to realize what he has accomplished for this community. He leaves a truly outstanding legacy."

Pawlak led Silver Cross to be recognized nationally for outstanding customer service, effective cost management, and superior clinical quality winning the prestigious 100 Top Hospitals National Award for seven consecutive years. In addition, Silver Cross has been recognized as one of America's Friendliest Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers for several years and with an "A" Hospital Safety ScoreSM byThe Leapfrog Group.

Pawlak has also held positions of chairman of the Will County Center for Economic Development and chairman of the United Way of Will County Annual Campaign. He is a member of the Illinois Hospital Association and served on the board of directors.

Pawlak earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Cincinnati and received his master's degree in hospital and health administration degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2014, he received an honorary doctoral degree in humanities from Lewis University in Romeoville.

The board of directors said it is starting the process to0 find a successor.

"We are performing our due diligence, interviewing candidates and working closely with a consultant to identify the best person to lead Silver Cross on its future course as an independent hospital," Hutchison said.

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