Who: Dr. Penny Wheeler, 56
New role: Wheeler will be promoted to CEO upon the year-end retirement of Kenneth Paulus, who spent five years at the helm of Allina Health. She was named president of the Minneapolis-based system last year, in a move that she said “foreshadowed” her latest promotion. Holding the position of president also helped increase her “financial and operational acumen,” she said.
Previous position: She also has been Allina's chief clinical officer since 2006 and previously served on its board of directors, chairing its quality committee.
Background: Wheeler was born at Allina's largest facility, Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She also practiced there for 20 years as an OB/GYN, including a stint as department chair. “I've been in the system for 56 years,” Wheeler quipped. “To be able to lead an organization that you love and have been attached to your whole life is quite an honor and I'm grateful for the opportunity.”
Movement-minded: Wheeler will be Allina's first female CEO. As more women are taking healthcare leadership posts, and many organizations are appointing doctors to executive roles, Wheeler recognizes her place in both these movements. “I don't think there are too many female physicians leading a healthcare system of this size,” she said.
