PRESS RELEASE

Plainfield Health Center Names Rudine Smith President and Chief Executive Officer

PLAINFIELD, NJ. July 19, 2005. Words of praise and encouragement arise from all levels of staff at the Plainfield Neighborhood Health Services Corporation, with the announcement of its new president and CEO, Rudine Smith, M.P.A.

“I am delighted to serve under an experienced and compassionate health leader. I and my staff are looking forward to continuing to provide the highest quality clinical care to our patients and their families. Ms. Smith will continue to inspire us to be our best.” says Dr. Susan Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. A signed letter submitted by several members of the senior management team to the Board of Directors on May 17, 2005, evidenced a growing tide of staff support for Smith as the new President and CEO.

Siddeeq El-Amin, president of the Board of Directors explained that Smith’s knowledge of the health care industry, solid senior management experiences, good rapport with staff, comprehensive knowledge of federally qualified health center service programs, medical technology background and prior experience with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey are strong assets to our Center and its affiliate programs.

“The Board of Directors recognized and appreciated her leadership during the recent period of interim management and after completing its interview process with her, recognized that she was the candidate for permanent appointment.” said El-Amin.

Smith expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment and immediately outlined plans to help PHC continue to move forward. “I am committed to help the staff and our community partners achieve success in these priority areas:

• Build a “state of the art” facility for our satellite site, Elizabeth-Port Health Center and expand our services to the community because the demographic data shows the continued need for ambulatory health care services essential to these residents;
• Recognize that PHC has exceeded its 35,000 sq. ft. capacity and the increased demand for more basic services is shown by the growth from 62,000+ patient encounters to 83,000 in two short years
• Increase specialty services
• Further enhance the team spirit among PHC staff.”

Most recently, Smith was Acting President/ CEO at PHC responsible for governance, disaster preparedness, administration, and grant and policy development. She was formerly the Vice President / Chief Operating Officer at PHC. Other significant work experience includes her tenure as Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer at Tiger Medical Systems Acquisition Company and Acting Chief Operating Officer and Business Administrator at MEDIX, Inc. of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NJ. Smith graduated from Rutgers University with a Master’s in Public Administration; B.S. from Montclair State University in allied health and received her A.A.S. degree in Ophthalmic Science at Essex County College.

AT A GLANCE

Upcoming events at the Plainfield Health Center include:

• August 7 – 13, 2005 National Health Center Week Celebration
• August 9, Pediatrics Health Fair
• September 22, “Healthy Eating, Healthy Living”

Contact the Plainfield Health Center at 908-753-6401

copyright © PHC 2005