Debra K. London, President and CEO of Mercy Health Partners, today announced that she will take a sabbatical from her duties at MHP, beginning on September 1.  London will return no later than March 1, 2010.

London said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to take some time away from the daily pace of leading our healthcare ministry – time that will allow me to refocus my energy, re-connect with the spirituality that led me to this ministry so many years ago, spend uninterrupted time with my family, devote time to strategic thinking about the potential impact of healthcare reform, and develop new professional skills and perspectives – so that I may return reenergized and prepared to lead Mercy Health Partners into the next decade.”

Mercy Board Chair, Mintha Roach added, “We think it is imperative that we provide all of our leaders with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Debra has been an extraordinary leader for years and she has certainly earned this opportunity.  It is a testimony to her value to Mercy and to our parent, Catholic Healthcare Partners, that we are willing to make this investment in her and our future.”

David Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer for Catholic Healthcare Partners, will serve as the interim CEO of Mercy while London is on leave. Jimenez is a member of the Mercy Health Partners Board and has been involved in virtually all major Mercy initiatives for the past several years.  John Starcher, CEO of CHP’s Eastern Division will also join the Mercy team and will work closely with Mercy’s hospital CEOs to advance key physician initiatives already underway. 

“While there is never a ‘perfect’ time to take extended leave, over the last 20 months, we have accomplished so much and we are now poised to begin the next chapter in our history.  Though difficult decisions always remain, many of the most difficult are now behind us and our leadership team is strong and unified.  I am confident that Mercy will be in good hands while I am away,” London added.

Mercy Health Partners was formed by the merger of St. Mary’s Health System and Baptist Health System of East Tennessee in 2008.  The new healthcare system operates seven acute-care hospitals and many other healthcare facilities across East Tennessee.  More than 1,000 of the area’s leading physicians are on the active staff at Mercy facilities.  One of East Tennessee’s largest employers, Mercy has 5,700 associates dedicated to providing compassionate care using the latest medical technology.

WHEREAS, Debra London has diligently served as the President and CEO of St. Mary’s Health System, Inc. from 2001 through 2007 and of  Mercy Health Partners, Inc. since the merger of St. Mary’s with the Baptist Health System of East Tennessee, Inc. in January 2008; and

WHEREAS, through her tireless efforts throughout that time, Debra has provided leadership, guidance, and counsel to the organization and demonstrated her strong commitment to facilitating and enhancing first St. Mary’s, and now Mercy’s, efforts in fulfilling its mission and providing the highest quality of health care to the community it serves; and

 WHEREAS, Debra’s efforts and vision have had a significant positive impact on the success of Mercy, helping to position it as a strong health care provider in Knoxville, Tennessee and the surrounding area; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mercy Health Partners Board of Directors strongly commends the efforts of Debra London on her dedicated and outstanding service to Mercy Health Partners and the community it serves; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mercy Health Partners Board of Directors expresses it sincere gratitude to Debra London for her efforts, fully supports her desire to take some time away from leading the organization, wishes her well during the time that she is away on sabbatical and looks forward to return re-energized and prepared to lead Mercy Health Partners into the next decade; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be attached to the minutes of the Mercy Health Partners Board of Directors as permanent evidence of its appreciation.

Approved by the Board of Directors of Mercy Health Partners, Inc., at its regular meeting held on August 27, 2009.