Baligh Yehia, MD, president of Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health, will also oversee Lehigh Valley Health Network in an expanded role to further integrate the health systems, effective immediately, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported March 18.
The move follows Jefferson’s merger with Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health in August to form a 32-hospital system.
Former Lehigh Valley Health CEO Brian Nester, DO, who led the system during the first seven months under Jefferson ownership, will retain his role of Jefferson’s COO, the Inquirer reported.
Jefferson also appointed Annette White as chief administrative officer, overseeing real estate and human resources, according to the Inquirer. Ms. White has served as Lehigh Valley Health’s chief legal officer since 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Additionally, Mike Whalen’s title of chief strategy, administrative, integration officer was changed to chief strategy and transformation officer.
“These leadership updates mark an important milestone in our integration journey as we create a stronger foundation for growth, innovation, and excellent patient care,” Thomas Jefferson University CEO Joseph Cacchione, MD, said in a statement, according to the Inquirer. “This positions us to better serve our communities today and well into the future.”
Jefferson CFO John Mordach exited his role Feb. 14. Thomas Marchozzi, Jefferson’s chief integration officer and former CFO of Lehigh Valley Health, was named acting CFO.
Becker’s has reached out to Jefferson for comment and will update this story should more information become available.
