Who: Kimberly Russo, 44
New role: CEO at George Washington University Hospital, effective June 3. She succeeds Barry Wolfman, who is stepping down after four years in the role.
Background: Russo began her career at George Washington in 1997 as a speech-language pathologist. She was named associate administrator in 2006 and then promoted to COO in 2009.
Goals at GW: As CEO, Russo said the organization's commitment to quality and safety will remain her primary focus. She also plans to continue current efforts “to expand on our complex-care services to help meet the needs of some of the most critically ill individuals in the D.C. area.”
Clinical experience a plus: Beginning her career on the clinical side provided the foundation for her patient-centered perspective, Russo said. “We are here to take care of people, and I think it is important as a hospital leader to have this mentality, and bring it to the forefront of your mind every day.”
Leadership philosophy: The hospital needs to do what is right for patients and take ownership of the care delivered, she said. “I want our employees and physicians to feel that they are able to approach all levels of leadership regarding issues or barriers, so we can work to address those together.”
