Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, will lead Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University effective September 6.
Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University named the enterprise's new CEO earlier this week.
According to a press release, Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, who is leaving his post as executive vice president, clinical and network services for Ascension, will take the top spot at Jefferson on September 6.
H. Richard Haverstick, Jr., emeritus board trustee who has served as interim CEO and president of Thomas Jefferson University and interim CEO of Jefferson Health since the beginning of this year, will work closely with Cacchione on a smooth leadership transition.
In his new role, Cacchione will work to advance the organization's growth strategy. He will work closely with his direct reports, Bruce A. Meyer, MD, MBA, who serves as president of Jefferson Health, and Mark L. Tykocinski, MD, who serves as president of Thomas Jefferson University.
"I am honored to be the next CEO of Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University. Jefferson has long served as a national model for excellence in care delivery, higher education, discovery and innovation," said Cacchione said in a statement. "I look forward to working together with the dedicated Jefferson team to continue the remarkable work they have done around creating one of the nation’s most respected healthcare organizations and distinctive universities. I believe in organizations that make their communities better, and I can think of no better example than Jefferson."
Cacchione previously served in multiple leadership positions for Ascension, including leading Ascension Medical Group in 2017, then gaining oversight of Ascension Michigan in 2018. In 2019 he was promoted to his current position as executive vice president, clinical and network services.
He also led as the interim ministry market executive for Ascension Michigan earlier this year, where he led efforts to help the organization in adapting to the changing healthcare industry across the Great Lakes State.
Jonathan Nalli will succeed him as interim ministry market executive for Ascension Michigan while continuing in his current role in leading Ascension Indiana. According to Ascension, a search is underway to identify a permanent leader for Ascension Michigan.
Additionally, Richard Fogel, MD, was named executive vice president and chief clinical officer for Ascension earlier this week.
Melanie Blackman is a contributing editor for strategy, marketing, and human resources at HealthLeaders, an HCPro brand.