Newswise — A nine-month national search has resulted in the selection of Steven J. Allen, MD, MBA, as CEO of Columbus Children's Hospital, effective July 15.
"We are thrilled that a leader of Dr. Allen's caliber and experience is excited to join us as we pursue our vision for Columbus Children's," said Children's Hospital Inc. and Children's Hospital Board Chair Abigail S. Wexner. "In the last ten years Children's Hospital has grown from a strong regional hospital to become the nation's fifth largest freestanding children's hospital and ninth largest NIH-funded free-standing pediatric research center. We are confident that Steve Allen is the CEO who will propel us forward on our aggressive plan to truly become one of the nation's premiere pediatric institutions."
The 53-year-old Allen brings to Columbus Children's more than twelve years of administrative leadership experience at the nationally-known Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston, Texas, where he currently serves as Vice President and CEO of the system's 178-bed Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital (MHCH). In that position, he has led all aspects of operations within the children's hospital and women's services as well as directing pediatric quality of care initiatives throughout the system.
His efforts at Memorial Hermann have resulted in significant expansion and enhancement of pediatric care, teaching and research.
"I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with the dedicated and talented staff, world class physicians and visionary Board at Columbus Children's," Allen said. "During my trips to Columbus, I have been most impressed by the pervasive aspiration for excellence at Children's. As we work together, all of our activities will be distinguished by exceptional service and quality."
Allen will assume the CEO role at Columbus Children's as the free-standing hospital and research center launches one of the most expansive strategic plans in its 112-year history. In October, 2005, Columbus Children's unveiled plans for a $740 million seven-year plan that will expand services and grow the hospital and research campus by more than 1 million square feet. Plans include the construction of a 500,000 square foot replacement hospital, a third research facility, a three-story building to house Gastroenterology services, Psychology and Clinical Sciences, a 1,500-space parking facility, expansion of academic faculty offices and educational space and enhanced 'green space' on the campus.
"Our strategic plan will transform the care we can provide for our children and have a major positive economic impact on the community," Wexner said. "As our new CEO, Steve is equipped to support and enhance our mission to deliver the highest level of pediatric care available anywhere, regardless of a family's ability to pay. Steve is eager to be a part of our future as we continue to invest in the best doctors, best researchers, best facilities, and we're delighted to have him join us."
Allen, a board certified anesthesiologist and critical care medicine specialist for more than 23 years, is also a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Allen has published more than 90 peer-reviewed journal articles, written over 20 book chapters and has been awarded research funds from organizations such as NIH.
Allen previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Hermann Hospital (MHH) and MHCH (the primary teaching sites for the University of Texas Medical School at Houston), Medical Director of the MHH Shock Trauma ICU, Associate Hospital Medical Director for MHH, and Medical Director of the MHH Neurological Critical Care and Medical Observation units. He earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and his MBA at the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Houston.
Memorial Hermann Healthcare System consists of nine acute care hospitals and related entities. MHH/MHCH is one of the busiest Level I trauma centers in the country and is home to LifeFlight, the second oldest air ambulance service.
Allen and his wife, Jamie Keller Allen, MD are the parents of five children. Dr. Jamie Allen is also a board certified anesthesiologist with an active practice in Houston. She is currently an active community volunteer and after settling the family in Columbus she looks forward to exploring practice opportunities and community involvement.
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