Kerry Heinrich, interim chief executive officer of Loma Linda University Medical Center and interim administrator of Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, has been named permanent CEO of both facilities, as well as the LLU Behavioral Medicine Center. His appointment was approved by two governing boards on August 25. He had served in the interim positions since July 1.
“I’m looking forward with eager anticipation to the challenges and successes we will have as an organization wholly dedicated to the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” Heinrich said. “The coming years are going to be a dynamic, exciting time for Loma Linda. It will be a privilege to serve with my colleagues.”
Heinrich has had a long association with Loma Linda as an attorney, serving on the legal counsel team. Since joining the organization in 1984, he has conducted contract negotiations and negotiated financial acquisitions and complex corporate restructures. He has also led major initiatives to improve reimbursements for the health care entities.
A 23-member search committee — representing hospital, university and physician leadership — recommended Heinrich’s appointment.
“After considering a number of strong internal and external candidates from many parts of the nation, he rose to the top as a natural choice,” said Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health. “Not only does he have the right mix of business acumen, knowledge of Loma Linda’s culture, and passion for our mission, he has also demonstrated during his interim term the ability to provide the type of leadership we need during this critical time in Loma Linda’s history. For these reasons, the boards approved the search committee’s recommendation.”
Heinrich will provide strategic leadership for — and oversee the day-to-day operations of — the six hospitals that together form Loma Linda University Medical Center. In addition, he will serve as executive vice president for hospital affairs of Loma Linda University Health.
Hart added that he was delighted to welcome Heinrich to this important leadership role on a permanent basis. “Kerry has the requisite skills and leadership ability to move us forward as our organization is changing and maturing. He will be a great blessing in this position.”
With Kerry now in place, Hart said the administration will make a strong effort to recruit able administrators to fill other positions in the medical center, moving quickly to identify individuals to fill key leadership roles.
Kerry received his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in business with an emphasis in finance and management from Walla Walla University in Washington. He earned a juris doctor (JD) degree from the University of Oregon’s School of Law and has specialized in health-care law.