Joseph G. Cacchione

 Before his time at Ascension Health, Dr. Cacchione spent eight years at the Cleveland Clinic, a leading academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education, where he played a major enterprise role in business development while also serving as Chairman of Operations and Strategy for its Heart and Vascular Institute. And, before that, he spent 20 years as a private practice cardiologist and large private physician practice executive. The depth and breadth of Dr. Cacchione’s previous experience in different markets and business conditions—as well as his demonstrated commitment to DEI both internal to his team and organization and with respect to health and academic equity—make him well-suited to lead Jefferson as it continues to shape the future of healthcare, higher education, and research.

The naming of Dr. Cacchione as the Jefferson enterprise CEO is part of the Board’s development of a new senior executive operating model. Jefferson Health President Bruce A. Meyer, MD, MBA, and Thomas Jefferson University President Mark L. Tykocinski, MD will both report directly to Dr. Cacchione. We believe this new model will further the enterprise mission to improve lives and to reach new heights in higher education, research, and clinical care.

We are grateful to Rich Haverstick for his tireless work as the interim leader of Jefferson since January of this year. Rich has provided the continuity to keep Jefferson moving forward during this time of transition. He has graciously agreed to assist with Dr. Cacchione’s onboarding through December. Chief Human Resource Officer Clayton Fitzhugh has also agreed to lead the transition team for Dr. Cacchione. He will work closely with us, Rich, and Dr. Cacchione to ensure a smooth transition.

We are also grateful to the CEO Search Committee who, together with Egon Zehnder, led this national search and dedicated themselves to identifying and assessing feedback from more than 450 people. This has been the most extensive and inclusive assessment process Jefferson has ever engaged in for a leadership search. We cannot thank them enough for their commitment and thoughtful approach.

The result of this teamwork and collaboration is a CEO who embodies the spirit and mission of Jefferson and will strategically lead us into the future of higher education and healthcare.