News

The Board of Directors at Rogers Behavioral Health System, Inc. has announced that Patrick (Pat) Hammer has accepted the position as President and CEO. Hammer will officially take the helm when current President and CEO, David L. Mouthrop, Ph.D., retires at the end of August, 2012.

Moulthrop, who has been with Rogers Memorial Hospital since 1993, submitted his retirement plans to the Board in 2011 and has been helping to coordinate efforts to assure a smooth transition. “Pat will arrive here July 9 and begin his orientation,” Moulthrop said. “We are eager to begin the collaboration to ensure a seamless transition that benefits our patients and staff.”

According to W. Carl Templer, System Board President, there were over 500 candidates who sought the prestigious position. “We narrowed the search down to three of the most qualified,” he said. “We believe that Pat will be an asset to Rogers and will build upon the legacy that Dave began. No doubt he will add some of his own vision and talents to the organization.”

Looking Forward to the Possibilities

Hammer said he is humbled and honored by the offer to join the staff at Rogers Behavioral Health System. “Rogers has a well-known tradition of providing outstanding care, and I am looking forward to working with Dave. I consider him one of the top behavioral health leaders in the country.”

With over 20 years of experience in behavioral health operations, strategic planning and motivational leadership, Hammer says he is passionate about helping people to recover from mental illness and addiction. “Rogers Behavioral Health System has such a strong tradition of providing outstanding patient care services.”

Hammer’s first priority is to help ensure that the change in leadership goes smoothly by working with Moulthrop “to build collaborative working relationships with the medical staff, senior leadership team and employees.” He added that his ultimate goal is “to help Rogers Behavioral Health System build upon its reputation of high-quality care within the region and become the nationally recognized leader for providing highly specialized psychiatric and addiction treatment services.”

A Smooth Transition

Plans have always included an overlapping period of time so that the new CEO could benefit from Moulthrop’s experience at Rogers. “There’s no doubt Dave will remain a valued resource even after he retires,” Templer continued, “but he has planned for time with Pat so that he can make the change easier for our patients, families, employees and community.”

Once Hammer arrives July 9, he will begin his orientation with Moulthrop and the rest of the team. Effective August 1, he will take his position as CEO, with Moulthrop continuing to act as consultant until August 30. After that, Moulthrop will step down and continue to consult when needed.

“We are thankful for Dave’s legacy,” Templer continued. “When he got here, Rogers was losing money and in danger of closing its doors. We had only a few patients and one location. Since he came here almost 20 years ago, we have two major hospital campuses in Oconomowoc and Milwaukee, along with three other locations in Madison, Kenosha and Brown Deer. We have more than 900 talented employees and close to 9,500 individuals who have received our services this year. Dave has taken us from a small, regional hospital to a much larger power as a mental health organization. He’s definitely played an important role in Rogers’ history and on the national scene. When he leaves his position as CEO, we will continue to wish him the best as he enjoys a new chapter of his life.”