TARPON SPRINGS , FL — Bruce Bergherm has been named President/Chief Executive Officer of Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, effective January 3, 2011. He comes to Helen Ellis after serving as Chief Operating Officer for Florida Hospital Fish Memorial a 139-bed hospital in Orange City , Florida. Bergherm replaces Don Evans who is departing from his CEO role to pursue other career opportunities.

Bergherm has made significant contributions to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial since his arrival in 2008. He was instrumental in leading the successful deployment of Computerized Physician Order Entry, growing hospital services for the community, and serving as champion for patient safety and quality initiatives.

“Bruce is energetic and passionate in all areas of his work,” said Mike Schultz, President/CEO of the Adventist Health System Florida Division and Board Chairman for Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital. “This is not only evident by his accomplishments, but through his commitment to our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ to all those we serve.”

Prior to his position as COO, Bergherm served as Vice President for Park Ridge Hospital from 2005-2008. He has significant experience in healthcare operations and financial administration from both the hospital system and managed care network fields. Bergherm holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in management, accounting, and economics from Southern Adventist University.

“My wife and sons are excited to be part of both the Helen Ellis employee family and the Tarpon Springs community,” said Bergherm. “I am excited to lead a group of physicians, clinicians, and employees that are all invested in raising the bar on quality healthcare delivery to the patients we serve.”

Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital joined Adventist Health System on September 1, 2010. Bergherm’s first priorities will include working with Board and community leaders to identify the most pressing hospital needs and focusing on improving services, enhancing quality, improving patient care and delivering our commitment to grow and strengthen the hospital by allocating capital funds.

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About Adventist Health System
Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital is a member of Adventist Health System, a not-for-profit health care organization that emphasizes Christ at the center of care. Founded in 1973, Adventist Health System has grown to become the largest not-for-profit Protestant health care provider in the nation. Today, Adventist Health System, whose flagship entity is Florida Hospital , supports 44 campuses and employs nearly 55,000 individuals. Adventist Health System hospitals are comprised of more than 7,700 licensed beds, providing care for four million patients each year in inpatient, outpatient and emergency room visits.