Alameda Health System Appoints James H. Strong Int

OAKLAND, Calif., July 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alameda Health System (AHS), a nationally recognized public health care provider, announced the appointment of James H. Strong to the position of Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Strong has more than 30 years of health care finance experience, and is expected to help guide the health system's Financial Services Division through the ongoing transition of health care reform, as the organization conducts its search for permanent CFO.

Mr. Strong comes to AHS from St. Joseph Health System in Eureka, CA, where he served as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. He was previously Chief Financial Officer for Sutter Health in Crescent City, CA, and served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer for St. Luke's Hospital in San Francisco, CA.

"Jim has the experience and expertise to help ensure our financial sustainability and support the growth and reinvestment required to carry out our mission," said Wright L. Lassiter III, chief executive officer of AHS. "His career success and financial insight will be instructive as we continue to serve patients by improving access to quality, affordable care for every person who chooses our hospitals and wellness centers."

Mr. Strong's other professional roles have included serving as health care consultant for the firm, Clark, Lowry, and Koortbojian, LLP, and as Vice President for West Coast Operations for Ambac – Cadre Securities, Inc., a health care financial services group. He began his career as Associate Administrator in Finance for the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, and also served as Vice President of Finance for HealthPlus, Inc., and Vice President of Finance, Business and Support Services for Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento.

Mr. Strong earned an MBA in Finance in 1978, and a Bachelor in Finance in 1974, both from the University of Nebraska. He has also taught university and master level courses in health care financial management. He succeeds Marion Schales, former CFO, who is retiring from AHS, where she instilled a high level of financial integrity and worked to ensure the future solvency and financial viability of the organization.

About Alameda Health System

Alameda Health System (AHS), a major public health care provider headquartered in Oakland, California, is recognized as a world-class patient and family centered system of care. Its mission – caring, healing, teaching and serving all – sums up the AHS core objectives to promote wellness and eliminate disparities within the diverse communities it serves in Alameda County. As a regional and national leader in health care safety and excellence, AHS aims to optimize the health of all Alameda County residents by multiplying access points to its best-in-class care.

AHS creates positive patient experiences. Service and community engagement are a priority, and the system offers programs that deliver value to individuals across all patient populations regardless of their social or economic status. Quality, financial strength and development of the workforce are also system hallmarks that ensure continual improvement to every aspect of our reach in the community.

A major economic force in Alameda County, AHS employs 3,200 people, including over 500 physicians at seven facilities. These include Highland Hospital, a major regional trauma center and teaching hospital, John George Psychiatric Hospital, an acute and emergency care facility in San Leandro, California; Fairmont Hospital, an acute rehabilitation hospital and skilled nursing facility, also in San Leandro; and four ambulatory wellness centers in Oakland, Newark and Hayward, California. 

Jerri Applegate Randrup (510) 437-4732