FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        CONTACT:      Amy L. Beisel, APR
January 16, 2007                                                       717-238-9613
                                                                              abeisel@pacatholic.org

PENNSYLVANIA CATHOLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HARRISBURG (Jan. 16) – Carol J. Quinn, President and CEO of Mercy Home Health Services in Springfield, Pa., begins her second year as chairperson of the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA).  Prior to her election as chair, Quinn served five years as a member of the PCHA Board of Directors and as vice-chairperson. “Ms. Quinn is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of PCHA,” said PCHA President Sister Clare Christi Schiefer, OSF.  “We look forward to her continued leadership in this key PCHA role. 

C. Angela Bontempo, President and CEO of St. Vincent Health System in Erie, Pa., will serve as the vice-chairperson; Sister Joanne Bednar, SCC, President of Providence Health System Foundation in Williamsport, Pa. will be secretary; and, Greg T. Wozniak, President and CEO of St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., will be treasurer.  John R. Morahan, President and CEO of St. Joseph Regional Health Network in Reading, Pa., is the past-chairperson.  Other members include:

1. Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, President/CEO, Holy Spirit Health System, Camp Hill, Pa.
2. Dr. Frank Sparandero, President/CEO, Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, Pa.
3. Neil G. Armstrong, Senior VP/COO, Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport, Pa.
4. Michelle A. Bieszczad, Administrator, St. John Neumann Nursing Home, Philadelphia, Pa.
5. Sister Patricia Mary Hespelein, RSM, Vice President, Mission Integration, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Pittsburgh, Pa.
6. Mary F. Turnbaugh, President, St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Columbia, Pa.
7. Sister Clarisse Correia, DC, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Pottsville, Pa.
8. R. James Polaski, Administrator, Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem, Pa.
9. Sister Kathryn Clauss, IHM, Member, Leadership Team, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pa.
10. Judith A. Persichilli, Executive Vice President, Northeast Division, Catholic Health East, Newtown Square, Pa.

PCHA is indeed blessed to have such qualified and committed members serving the interest of the Catholic health ministry and the Church in Pennsylvania.”

PCHA, an associate of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), is a statewide organization of Catholic hospitals, long-term care facilities, numerous multi-facility health systems and other related health care entities, sponsoring religious congregations and dioceses. The association provides support for the Catholic health ministry through Gospel witness in advocacy, communication, education and united action. PCHA makes policy recommendations to the PCC.

For more information about PCHA, log on to www.pacatholic.org/pcha.

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