Operational Excellence

June 27, 2007

Jack Cochran, MD, to Succeed Jay Crosson, MD, as Executive Director of The Permanente Federation

Ron Copeland, MD, chair of The Permanente Federation Executive Committee, announced June 27 that Jack Cochran, MD, executive medical director of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group, will succeed Francis J. (Jay) Crosson, MD, as the executive director of The Permanente Federation, effective Oct. 1.

Crosson, who has served in the role since 1997, will stay involved with The Permanente Federation as a senior adviser up until his 2008 retirement, as part of the leadership transition.

Copeland, who is also president and executive medical director of the Ohio Permanente Medical Group, noted that the Federation Executive Committee's election of Cochran followed a thorough internal search spanning the last two months, which included careful consideration of exceptionally qualified candidates.

"I am honored to be chosen by the medical directors to lead The Permanente Federation into its second decade," Cochran said. "Together, with the skilled leadership team and highly capable colleagues, I believe we and our Health Plan partners will continue to position Kaiser Permanente as the health care provider of choice and as a model for health care reform."

Crosson noted that the transition in leadership comes at a fortuitous time in The Permanente Federation's history. "As we approach the 10th anniversary of The Permanente Federation's founding, I believe it is the right time to transition my executive director responsibilities," Crosson said. "Dr. Cochran has been a highly effective leader of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group for many years now, and we have all benefited greatly from his vision, dedication and focus. I have the utmost confidence in his ability, supported by our entire medical director and management team, to drive care improvement and business innovations, ensuring the growth and future of Kaiser Permanente."

George C. Halvorson, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals chairman and CEO, praised the announcement. "I look forward to working with Dr. Jack Cochran as the new executive director of The Permanente Federation. The model of a strong partnership and cooperation between our two leadership entities is a vital aspect of the success of Kaiser Permanente," Halvorson said. "Dr. Cochran is respected in Kaiser Permanente for his leadership abilities and his focus on performance improvement. I am confident that he and I will continue to build on this model of cooperation and understanding, as we focus on our mission of providing affordable, high-quality health care to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. I congratulate Dr. Cochran in his new role and thank Dr. Jay Crosson for his invaluable work as the founding executive director of The Permanente Federation."

Copeland said that across the program, the medical groups collaborate to improve the quality of clinical care and service for Kaiser Permanente's members. "We have forged productive working relationships with our Health Plan and Labor partners, and our collaborative work with them has strengthened Kaiser Permanente and its position in the health care marketplace," Copeland said. "Dr. Cochran's leadership will help The Permanente Federation build on this foundation and further leverage the Federation's collective resources and talents. Dr. Cochran has demonstrated thoughtful and charismatic leadership abilities in Colorado, and he will bring a track record for effective execution, strategic vision, and leadership development to the work of The Permanente Federation."

Donna L. Lynne, president for Kaiser Permanente's Colorado region, praised Cochran's leadership at the Colorado Permanente Medical Group. "Dr. Cochran has been a true partner to me in the leadership of KP Colorado," Lynne said. "His skills have been crucial in driving the organization toward improved performance, and our growth, service and quality achievements are a testament to his abilities. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jack these past 2½ years, and I know he will continue to make significant contributions to Kaiser Permanente in his new role at The Permanente Federation."

Since 1999, Cochran has served as executive medical director and president of the Colorado Permanente Medical Group, P.C. (CPMG) for Kaiser Permanente. He began his career with CPMG as founder of the plastic surgery department in 1990. Cochran served as chief of plastic surgery from 1990 to 1998, chairman of the CPMG board of directors in 1998, and CPMG executive medical director from 1999 to present. Prior to joining CPMG, Cochran was in private practice in Denver. At St. Joseph's Hospital, he served as chief of plastic surgery and later as chair of surgical services and president of the medical staff. Cochran earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado and served residencies at Stanford University Medical Center and University of Wisconsin Hospitals. He is board certified in otolaryngology and in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

In making the announcement, Copeland praised Crosson, the founding Executive Director of The Permanente Federation, for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Permanente Medical Groups and Kaiser Permanente as a whole, noting Crosson brought crucial vision and adeptness to the task of unifying different parts of the organization at a significant point in our history, and he has provided invaluable leadership in positioning KP as a key player in U.S. health care policy reform.

The Permanente Federation was formed in 1997 to represent the national interests of the eight regional Permanente Medical Groups. The Federation provides specialized services and business expertise to the regional medical groups and provides a national Permanente external presence on key policy issues.

Crosson and all of the Federation staff will work with Cochran to facilitate a smooth transition over the coming months. A search process for Cochran's replacement as executive medical director in Colorado will be initiated immediately.