Rob Casalou to lead Ann Arbor, Livingston and Saline hospitals

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Saint Joseph Mercy Health System today announced that Robert F. Casalou will serve as the new president and chief executive officer of three of the four hospitals in Saint Joseph Mercy Health System: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, St. Joseph Mercy Saline and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston. This appointment is effective in October 2008.

This announcement concludes a national search process that involved input from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System's board members, executive management and representatives from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System's parent company, Trinity Health.

Casalou comes to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System from St. John Health, where for the past three years he has served as president of Providence Park Hospital located in Novi, Mich. Casalou's career history with St. John Health includes his role as president and CEO of Providence Park, president and CEO of Providence Hospital-Southfield, and executive vice president and chief operating officer of Providence Hospital-Southfield. Casalou holds master's degrees in business administration and health service administration from the University of Michigan.

'It is clear that Robert leads in a manner that aligns with St. Joe's mission and values, with a focus on patient care excellence and building trusting relationships with the community, medical staff and associates,' says Garry C. Faja, president and CEO, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, based in Ann Arbor, is under the leadership of Faja, who also serves as Regional Market Executive for Trinity Health East Michigan. St. Mary Mercy Hospital will remain under the direction of David Spivey as president and chief executive officer.

'We are committed to serving our community and providing remarkable patient care for years to come. We are very excited to have Rob on our leadership team and we will continue to emphasize patient care excellence and operational excellence here at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System,' concludes Faja.