Deaconess Announces New CEO

November 29, 2007

Deaconess Hospital announced on Wednesday that Cathryn Hibbs has been named chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2008. Hibbs had previously served as a division vice president of operations for Community Health Systems (CHS), where her responsibilities included oversight of the 11 hospitals located within Oklahoma and New Mexico.

With over 28 years of healthcare experience, Hibbs brings a wealth of knowledge and operational and financial skills to Deaconess. She has performed in many hospital leadership roles, including serving as the chief executive officer in hospitals in several states with both CHS and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). Earlier in her career Hibbs spent 12 years at St. Mary's Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma, where she served as the chief operating officer.

Hibbs received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration from the University of Texas. She is a fellow in The American College of Healthcare Executives.

"Over the past few months, the medical staff has had the privilege of working closely with Cathy and has been very impressed with the strategic expertise she brings. We look forward to partnering with her in the future, as we continue our long legacy of providing high-quality and compassionate care to Oklahomans," said Deaconess chief of staff, Jerry Brindley, M.D.

J. Keith Gannaway, M.D., Deaconess chairman of the board said, "This is a key time in the hospital's growth. We're excited to have a leader with a proven history of success like Cathy, who will be able to lead Deaconess to continued success in the future."

Growing up in Miami, Oklahoma, Cathy and her husband, Richard, are looking forward to reconnecting with their Oklahoma roots. She is also interested in engaging in opportunities to become involved in Oklahoma City and the surrounding communities.