As part of a restructuring of senior administrative staff at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, former Chief Financial Officer Ann Madden Rice has been named chief operating officer responsible for directing the hospital's daily operations.

"I am very pleased that Mrs. Rice has agreed to serve as our chief operating officer," said Donna Katen-Bahensky, director and CEO of UI Hospitals and Clinics. "Ann's experience and wide range of skills are truly valuable assets. During nearly one year as the interim director and CEO, she proved herself to be a very effective leader."

Rice joined the administrative staff of UI Hospitals and Clinics in 1999 and served as interim director and CEO following the departure of former CEO R. Edward Howell. A national search to select her successor as chief financial officer is under way.

Other staff members affected by the restructuring plan included:

• John Staley, Ph.D., former COO, who continues to serve as a senior associate director responsible for short- and long-term capital planning.
• Michael Kienzle, M.D., continues as associate director of technology and new business development as well as associate dean in the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine.
• William Hesson remains as associate director and continues his legal services responsibilities.
• Linda Q. Everett, Ph.D., continues as associate director and chief nursing officer.

Other developments include the establishment of a new position titled associate director of medical operations.

UI Hospitals and Clinics administrators say they undertook the restructuring in order to enhance the performance of the medical center and to bolster service to patients. During the upcoming month-long transition phase, senior leaders, department heads, managers, and supervisors may identify additional organizational changes as they develop work plans.

Ann Madden Rice