DOWNEY, Calif., Sept. 6, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Kathy Hampton, Chairman of the Downey Regional Medical Center Corporate Board of Directors, announced that Kenneth Strople has been named DRMC's new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Strople has served as the hospital's Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since April 2006. In June 2007 he was named interim President and CEO. Ken and the executive management team that includes Executive Vice Presidents Rob Fuller, Chief Operating Officer, and Bruce Bowne, Chief Financial Officer, have together laid plans for a bright future.
"Ken Strople has been a dedicated and talented leader in hospital administration for more than 25 years," said Hampton. "His leadership skills and commitment are evident to all who have worked with him."
Prior to being named executive vice president and chief operating officer, Ken served as the Senior Vice President of Operations at Community Memorial Hospital of San Buenaventura. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree, a Master of Science-Medical Technology degree and a Bachelor of Science degree. He is a nominee for the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a Clinical Laboratory Technologist in the State of California.
"We have great confidence in Ken's leadership. His talent and personal qualities, as well as his experience and knowledge of the health care system will allow for a seamless transition. His vision of providing quality care for residents close to home will set the stage for a strong future. Ken is dedicated to expanding our experienced local network of physicians and hospital staff who focus on administering comprehensive, quality treatment to help make our communities healthier," added Hampton.
"I am excited about the opportunity to lead one of Southern California's most respected full-service hospitals," said Strople. "I look forward to continuing to work with our doctors, nurses, Board of Directors, business community, government leaders, and individual residents to provide the best quality facilities, programs and care in region."
Ken and his wife Peggy relocated to Long Beach from their former home in Camarillo. He has two sons, one married with one grandson.