Changes at Work

This is a sad week for us at work - the president of our caresystem is leaving for a job with HealthEast. It's a wonderful opportunity for her, but we are VERY sad to see her go. She was a wonderful leader, not to mention the only woman at that level. We have 7 caresystems and she was the only woman. I am hopeful they find another woman to take her place - I think it's amusing (or SAD!) that at least 80-90% of the workforce in my company is female, yet we have very few women in high-ranking positions.

One interesting item - in the Jan 14th Star Trib, the nonprofits in MN were ranked. They listed the revenues, excess (profit), CEO and their pay. Looking at Healthcare: First of all - for running non-profits, these folks do okay. Maybe I should apply for that open President job! Secondly, notice how Fairview's revenue is just slightly less than the revenues for #3 and #4 and more than #6, #7 & #10, but our CEO's salary is far less. (For those of you with Blue Cross insurance - now you know why they don't pay for anything - all the money goes to their CEO!)

Not to mention our CEO has an excess that is higher than all but one of those 5 organizations. Either our CEO did not do his homework when setting his salary, or he really felt the $$ should be going to providing care for patients. What a concept! He is retiring the end of 2007, so it will be interesting to see what the new CEO gets for compensation - if the trend continues.

Rank Organization Revenue (millions) Excess CEO Pay
1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN $7,115.3 $10.9 $3,365,811
2. Mayo Foundation $6,118.3 $512.2 $1,619,184
3. HealthPartners $2,459.6 $24.4 $1,140,194
4. Allina Health Services $2,279.6 $136.9 $1,575,955
5. Fairview Health Services $1,910.4 $83.1 $788,076
6. Medica $1258.6 $2.8 $1,012,510
7. Park Nicollet $1,069.0 $45.7 $956,123

10 HealthEast $685.6 $13.9 $1,029,323