VAIL, Colo., Oct. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) announced that Tom Mars has been named CEO of both organizations, effective immediately. Tom Mars is a former Walmart U.S. executive and SPRI board member. The announcement was made by Steadman Clinic Managing Partner/Founder Dr. J. Richard Steadman, and Managing Partner Dr. Marc Philippon.
"Tom's executive experience, integrity and leadership skills make him the right person to lead both The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute," said Dr. Steadman. "We knew Tom from his work on the SPRI board, but what really impressed us during the hiring process was how passionate he is about applying his talent and experience to the mission of our non-profit research institute: Keeping people of all ages physically active through orthopaedic research and education."
"Tom will be a great fit for us," said Dr. Philippon. "He knows our organizations well. He's been a patient of The Steadman Clinic and has served on the SPRI board. He is an effective communicator with great people skills and will help us achieve our full potential for keeping people active."
Lyon Steadman will continue his significant role of focusing on the management and day-to-day operations of The Steadman Clinic. "With Lyon's background managing The Steadman Clinic for over 16 years, his keen understanding of cutting edge healthcare financial issues, and our healthcare system changes, Lyon will be a great asset for future growth," said Tom Mars.
Mars spent more than a decade with Walmart, the world's largest retailer. Before retiring in March 2013, Mars served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Walmart U.S. In that role, he was responsible for real estate strategy and operations, human resources, asset protection and financial services in the United States. He also led the company's employment practices, labor relations and compliance departments. From 2002-09, Mars served as Walmart's general counsel.
David Glass, former president and chief executive officer of Walmart and currently the owner and chief executive officer of the Kansas City Royals, a longtime colleague of Mr. Mars commented, "Tom is a gifted leader of high integrity who made important contributions to Walmart's success in several areas. He meant a lot to all of those who worked with him. This is a great opportunity for Tom, and he will do very well."
"Any seasoned business executive who's familiar with The Steadman Clinic and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute would jump at the opportunity to lead these great organizations," said Mars. "Given my perspective as a SPRI board member and a former patient of The Steadman Clinic, it's easy to see the potential for these organizations to have an even greater influence on the advancement of sports medicine. My family and I are looking forward to living in the Vail Valley and being part of the community."
Prior to joining Walmart, Tom practiced law in northwest Arkansas for 10 years. In 1998, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee appointed Mars to serve as director of the Arkansas State Police, a post he held for three years before stepping down to return to the practice of law. From 1986-88, Mars served as an associate of the Rose Law Firm, where he worked for Hillary Clinton in the firm's litigation section. He graduated first in his class from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
About The Steadman Clinic:
The Steadman Clinic is a world-renowned orthopaedic clinic with facilities located in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards Colorado. Specializing in sports medicine including knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, spine, foot and ankle injuries, our experience and research have led to significant advances in the fields of orthopaedics and sports medicine.
http://www.thesteadmanclinic.com
About The Steadman Philippon Research Institute:
The Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) is dedicated to keeping people of all ages physically active through orthopaedic research and education in arthritis, healing, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Founded in 1988 by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Richard Steadman as the Steadman Sports Medicine Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization has significantly influenced the practice of orthopaedics throughout the world. Based in Vail, Colorado, SPRI is a global leader in sports medicine research and education.
http://www.sprivail.org