Transformational Physician Ram Raju Next HHC President

	Mayor Bill de Blasio and Dr. Ramanathan Raju

Citing his proven leadership and commitment to serve diverse communities across the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio nominated Dr. Ramanathan Raju to be the next President and CEO of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC). The HHC Board of Directors unanimously ratified the nomination at their monthly board meeting January 30.

“Mayor de Blasio’s selection of Dr. Raju reflects his progressive plan for the city and the acknowledgement that healthcare is a fundamental priority. Ram Raju is a transformational physician and an executive who has a unique combination of strategic, operational, and clinical experience and a strong and dynamic vision of how to advance organizational excellence,” said HHC President Alan D. Aviles.

"Dr. Raju has the expertise and the determination to build on our recent achievements, continue to improve the quality of services HHC offers to the people of New York City, and to increase efficiencies and address the financial difficulties HHC faces during a time of dramatic change in the national healthcare environment," said Michael Stocker, MD, Chairman of the HHC Board of Directors, who officiated over his last board meeting after five years of distinguished service to HHC.

Currently CEO of the Chicago’s Cook County Health and Hospital System, the third largest health system in the US, he is credited with improving CCHHS’s quality of care, increasing revenues, and cutting costs by leveraging federal resources, restructuring the system’s operation, and utilizing technology to increase efficiency and make the healthcare system more accessible to patients.

Dr. Raju began his medical career at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn and went on to serve as the COO and Medical Director at HHC Coney Island Hospital, and then as the HHC Chief Medical Officer, Corporate COO and Executive Vice President.

“I am excited to return to the Health and Hospitals Corporation,” said Dr. Raju. “Under my leadership, HHC will continue its mission of ensuring New Yorkers have access to quality healthcare options—from major hospitals to neighborhood clinics—no matter where they live.”

Dr. Raju is expected to begin March 31, 2014. Mr. Aviles will remain in his post until that day.