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| Dr. Frank Byrne |
MADISON — After 10 years of mission and values-driven service, Dr. Frank Byrne announced recently that he plans to retire from his position as president of St. Mary’s Hospital on January 30, 2015.
However, he will remain a member of the board of directors of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.
Almost doubled in size
Under Byrne’s leadership, St. Mary’s nearly doubled in size with the 2008 completion of its expansion project.
St. Mary’s and Dean began their journey toward HIMSS Stage 7 status with the transition to Epic’s electronic health record system.
And St. Mary’s Sun Prairie Emergency Center opened as a department of St. Mary’s Hospital to serve one of the area’s fastest-growing populations.
Hospital has flourished
During Byrne’s tenure, St. Mary’s Hospital has flourished, achieving high patient satisfaction as well as exceptional safety and quality standards.
In addition, St. Mary’s received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named one of the 100 Top Hospitals in 2006, one of the 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Engagement by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2013, and one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in 2014 by Truven Health Analytics as well as a Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence and Beacon of Excellence in 2014.
“I want to thank Frank personally for his leadership, both in the hospital and in the community. He is certainly irreplaceable, and we wish him, his wife Cindy, and their family the very best,” said Damond Boatwright, president of hospital operations for SSM Health Care of Wisconsin, the parent organization of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital, and St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.
Impact on community
While Byrne’s work inside the hospital is impressive, equally as important is the impact he’s made on the Madison area. His ability to connect with people and forge relationships has created a strong and vibrant reputation for St. Mary’s in Madison.
His volunteerism and willingness to support St. Mary’s in the community has meant he’s been no stranger to Madison’s many celebrations. In addition, he currently serves on the boards of the Madison Community Foundation, the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of Greater Madison, the Wisconsin Hospital Association, and the Wisconsin Medical Society.
“We’re not originally from the Madison area, but my wife Cindy and I love it here,” said Byrne. “The decision to retire was not an easy one for me, but I know it’s the right decision. SSM Health Care, Dean, and St. Mary’s have some great ideas for continuing to improve upon the already exceptional care that’s provided. I can leave confident knowing things are headed in the right direction.
“I look forward to more time to focus on my other passions — including music — in addition to continuing to take advantage of all the Madison area has to offer.”
SSM Health Care is beginning a national search for Byrne’s replacement immediately.