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Rob Casalou named new St. Joseph Mercy Health System regional president and CEO

Rob-CasalouRob Casalou, currently president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston, has been selected as the new regional president and CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS), based in Ann Arbor.

Casalou will be succeeding longtime Regional President and CEO Garry C. Faja who will be retiring on Dec. 31 after 32 years of distinguished service.

Since becoming president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals in 2008, Casalou has played a key role in the development of many innovative partnerships including the merger with IHA Physician Group and a Master Affiliation between SJMHS and University of Michigan Health System which resulted in joint ventures such as the opening of an Acute Care for Elders hospital unit.

Under his leadership, St. Joseph Mercy hospitals have expanded outpatient services with a freestanding emergency department in Brighton, the new Center for Advanced Surgery health center in Canton, and the new Outpatient Surgery Center at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.

The hospitals have also undergone significant renovation and upgrades, notably the 2010 opening of the North Tower at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and the 2014 patient room renovations at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston.

Recognizing the role of fresh, healthy food in the healing process, Casalou spearheaded the development of the Farm at St. Joe’s – the first hospital-based farm in the U.S.

“Rob has the experience, values and compassion to lead Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to a strong future in a new era of care,” said Sally Jeffcoat, executive vice president, West/Midwest Division, Trinity Health, based in Livonia. “The Board reviewed several strong candidates for this important role. Rob stood out because of his leadership, track record for innovation and our shared commitment to the mission and values of our health ministry.”

A full search process was conducted over a three-month period. A search and selection committee was established comprised of Trinity Health executive leadership and SJMHS regional board members, physician and nursing leadership.

“This is a really exciting time for our health system where we are poised for a unique integration between our facilities which will strengthen the continuum of care for patients and providers across all our hospitals and health centers in southeast Michigan,” said Casalou.

Before joining SJMHS, Casalou spent almost 20 years at St. John Providence Health System in various leadership roles. He was responsible for overseeing the construction of Providence Park Hospital in Novi, where he served as its president and CEO until 2008.

Casalou serves as chair-elect of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA), chair of the American Heart Association (AHA) metro Detroit chapter’s board of directors and board member of the Midwest affiliate of AHA, and vice chair of the Make-a -Wish Foundation of Michigan board of directors.

In addition, he serves on the IHA board and the Washtenaw Health Initiative steering committee.

Casalou is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He also leads the Team Joe’s cycling team and participates in multiple events including the annual Wish-a-Mile three-day tour through Michigan supporting the Make-a- Wish Foundation.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degree in business administration and health care administration from the University of Michigan. He lives in Novi with his wife and three children.

Reporting to Jeffcoat, Casalou will be working with Faja over the upcoming weeks to ensure a smooth transition to his new role. There will be a posting shortly for a president position to lead St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals.

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