New CEO Introduced at Atrium Reception

MADISON – New UW Hospital and Clinics President and CEO Donna Katen-Bahensky (pictured) took time out of her busy first week to say hello to colleagues at a reception in the hospital's cafeteria atrium Thursday.

The first visitors, from the hospital's ultrasound unit, approached the atrium tentatively, but Katen-Bahensky greeted them with a welcoming smile and extended hand. Soon dozens of employees formed a line that snaked halfway down the hallway to the hospital's "H" elevators.

"In addition to meeting literally hundreds of new people, I have learned a great deal this week about our organization," she said. "I appreciate the warm welcome, and I have also seen a strong sense of pride in the work (UW Health employees) do and in this organization."

Before joining UW Hospital and Clinics, Katen-Bahensky served for six years as CEO at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and senior associate vice president for medical affairs at University of Iowa Health Care.

Prior to Iowa, Katen-Bahensky served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System and Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and Clinics, where she oversaw operations for a 750-bed hospital and more than 80 outpatient practice sites.

Katen-Bahensky began her career at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she rose to hospital chief operating officer after having started as the director of strategic planning and marketing and completing an administrative residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals.

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Dean Robert Golden, who participated in the search committee that hired Katen-Bahensky, acknowledged her impressive credentials but believes traits that don't necessarily show up on a résumé will be the key to her future success.

"She's got excellent credentials, and has been at some fantastic academic health centers," Golden said. "When she showed up, she was even better in real life than on paper. She clearly understands what it's all about. She connects well with staff and colleagues and connects well with the community."

For Jeff Poltawsky, who was hired as vice president of American Family Children's Hospital in January, Katen-Bahensky's arrival is a reunion of sorts. Both went to graduate school at the University of Missouri-Columbia, with Katen-Bahensky in the class ahead of Poltawsky's.

"I'm very excited about working with her again," Poltawsky said. "Donna is such a great spirit, a great listener and a great communicator. She'll be very successful in her role here."

UW Hospital and Clinics vice president of human resources Jan Bultema agrees, mentioning Katen-Bahensky's hands-on approach as a necessity for her new position.

"She's very people-oriented, and it's important for our employees to have somebody to connect with on a personal level," Bultema said. "She really cares about people and cares about the quality patient care we deliver." 

 

Date published: 2/8/2008