Abbott Northwestern CEO quits for 'other options'

Minneapolis hospital executive Denny DeNarvaez quit Tuesday as president of 627-bed Abbott Northwestern Hospital to pursue "other career options," said a spokeswoman for Abbott Northwestern's parent, 18-hospital Allina Hospitals & Clinics. Allina President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Pettingill will serve as interim administrator. Spokeswoman Kendra Calhoun said she didn't know DeNarvaez's future plans or why she left suddenly. "Denny is a very talented executive. She has many options, I'm sure," Calhoun said. At deadline, neither DeNarvaez nor Allina Chairman Michael Dougherty could be reached for comment, and board member Rollin Crawford declined to comment. DeNarvaez, 48, became Abbott Northwestern's president in March 2002 after five months as interim senior vice president and lead administrator. She joined the hospital from Florida Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, where she was CEO. -- by Susanna Moon