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Wheeling Hospital chief executive officer retires

Violi

WHEELING — Wheeling Hospital CEO Ron Violi announced his retirement Friday.

Msgr. Kevin M. Quirk, hospital board president, said Violi had served as CEO since January 2006.

In a press release, officials stated, “Under his leadership, Wheeling Hospital affected an amazing turnaround. When Violi assumed the role of CEO, the hospital was struggling, having lost nearly $54 million over the previous seven years. Under Violi’s direction, the hospital became profitable within six months and has sustained that achievement to this day.”

Kareen Simon has been named as interim CEO of the hospital.

Officials said Wheeling Hospital is convening a special committee to launch a nationwide search for Violi’s permanent successor.

Quirk said, “Ron (Violi) is 79 years old, and I have never seen anyone work as hard. Before coming to Wheeling Hospital, he was already a self-made retail entrepreneur and health care industry leader.”

The board president added, “Under Ron, the hospital has thrived, becoming the Upper Ohio Valley’s premier hospital, earning numerous regional, state and national recognitions, and accreditations and certifications for its many services — most notably for its comprehensive cancer care, cardiac services and women’s services. His extremely successful tenure at Wheeling Hospital is a testament to his dedication, devotion and grit.

“The hospital has benefited tremendously from Ron’s keen business acumen,” Quirk said. “We cannot begin to express our gratitude to Ron for his vision, professional insight and tireless dedication to Wheeling Hospital and its ideals. Although he will be missed enormously, he has certainly earned his retirement and deserves this time to focus on his health.”

Violi said, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve the residents of West Virginia and others in the Upper Ohio Valley at this great institution. As I look back on our collective accomplishments, none is more meaningful than knowing that we have provided access to tremendous health care to Wheeling and its surrounding communities. The exemplary care we provide today will improve the health of our community tomorrow, and I truly believe that the hospital has a great blueprint to move forward.”

Violi added, “The hospital is now in accomplished hands with Kareen Simon as interim CEO. I want to sincerely thank my Wheeling Hospital family for their passion, energy and commitment to our hospital and their unwavering support for me over the past 13 years as I served as CEO. I will miss them immensely.”

Simon joined Wheeling Hospital in 2012 as a senior administrator, advancing to vice president of operations in 2016. She assisted and advised Violi and the executive team in establishing and executing critical and strategic business plans to achieve operational excellence. “Kareen has the leadership and management skills to ensure our patients continue to receive high-quality care while ensuring we maintain the financial integrity that we established during Ron’s tenure. We are lucky to have her during this time of transition,” Quirk said.

Wheeling Hospital operates two hospitals, eight health centers, a continuous care center and wellness center. It provides a wide range of services including its Surgical Center, Center for Pediatrics, Center for Women’s Services, Emergency-Trauma Center, Schiffler Cancer Center and full-service cardiac catheterization lab.

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