Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital Names Deborah Graves as President and Chief Operating Officer
Baltimore, MD - After an extensive nationwide search, Deborah Graves has been selected as the new president and chief operating officer of Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.
Graves brings a wide breath of experience in health care, strategic planning, business proficiency, and in creating successful and collaborative work environments to engage residents, patients and employees.
"We are thrilled that Deborah will lead Levindale into the next chapter of our storied 125 year history of groundbreaking care for our elders. Her medical expertise, operational knowledge and innovative vision make her the ideal individual to ensure that Levindale continues to be a pioneer in the complex world of post-acute and long-term care," says Leslie Simmons, an executive vice president of LifeBridge Health, Levindale's parent company. "Deborah also understands the importance of inspiring our staff to continue to provide compassionate care for the residents who call Levindale home and for the patients who receive ongoing specialty care."
Graves joins Levindale from Benedictine Health System, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, where she was the senior vice president of Client Services. Benedictine provides a complete spectrum of post-acute services that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, inpatient rehabilitation, and transitional, home health and long-term care to seniors.
In 2008, she was selected as one of Minnesota's 100 Influential Health Care Leaders, which recognizes leaders in the industry who contribute to the high quality of health care in Minnesota.
"I am very much looking forward to furthering the work that is already underway by a dedicated hard-working staff at Levindale which encompasses a unique blend of long-term care, behavioral health, chronic hospital services and skilled nursing home care, as well outpatient day treatment programs and adult day services," says Deborah Graves.
"My personal philosophy is that health care is a sacred profession because individuals allow our providers to share intimate aspects in their lives and help them through difficult times. It is my job to encourage our providers to understand the impact that they have and how to nurture those relationships."
In addition to the usual hiring process, members of Levindale's Employee Action Committee were instrumental in the interview and selection of Graves. She begins her tenure at Levindale on November 27.
Graves earned her Bachelor of Nursing and her bachelor of Sociology from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of New Orleans. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the League of Nursing, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
Levindale is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of health care in Maryland. In addition to Levindale, LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital and related subsidiaries and affiliates.
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