Prior to his role as CEO for Colorado Health Medical Group, a 160-physician multispecialty group of University of Colorado Health, Aurora, Branzell served as CIO and vice president of information services for the Poudre Valley Health System in Fort Collins, Colo., which merged with the University of Colorado Health in January 2012. Before that, Branzell was regional deputy CIO and executive director of information services for Mercy health system in Chesterfield, Mo.
“Following a comprehensive search, the board is fortunate to have found someone of Russ' competency and experience to guide our organization successfully into the future,” said CHIME Board Chairman George Hickman, executive vice president and CIO at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center, in a news release. “As a respected IT executive who possesses deep industry knowledge, Russ will continue CHIME's successful legacy of achievements and assure CHIME's position as the association leading the national transformation of health IT.” Hickman headed the board's search committee.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization during a rapidly evolving and exciting time in our industry,” Branzell said in the news release. “I've been deeply involved with CHIME for over 15 years and have watched it become a leading source of trusted information and expertise in healthcare. This is a critical time for CHIME to advance its leadership role. We can truly help the industry make informed decisions about deploying healthcare IT, and help the industry adapt to new pressures for reform, improved efficiency and heightened patient safety.”
Branzell also served in the U.S. Air Force in several healthcare IT administrative positions, including chief information officer for the Air Mobility Command Surgeon General's Office. He retired from the Air Force Reserves in 2008.