National Jewish President and CEO Announces Retirement Plans

NOVEMBER 30, 2004

DENVER — Lynn M. Taussig, MD, President and CEO of National Jewish Medical and Research Center, today announced his intention to retire in approximately 16 months, in January 2006.

 

Acknowledging Dr. Taussig's leadership, David H. Engleberg, National Jewish Board Chairman said, "For the past 11 years, Dr. Taussig has led this institution to achievements unprecedented in our 105-year history."

National Jewish has been named the #1 respiratory hospital in America for eight consecutive years*, and is also rated one of the top 25 most influential research institutions in the world in its major areas of research focus. During Dr. Taussig's tenure, National Jewish increased its endowment from $12 to $72 million, and completed significant campus enhancements, including the addition of the Molly Blank Conference Center. A new clinical and research facility will be completed within two years.

Mr. Engleberg announced that he will convene a search committee immediately to conduct a national search for a new President and CEO. "Our goal is to remain the pre-eminent global leader in lung, allergic and immune disease research and treatment. The comprehensive search will consider candidates from healthcare, academia, business, and government," Mr. Engleberg said.

Dr. Taussig will continue to serve as President and CEO until his successor is named in January 2006.

Some of the many noteworthy achievements of National Jewish during Dr. Taussig's tenure include:

• Financial condition strongly solidified and stabilized, including enhanced bond rating.
• Patient volume increased significantly-up 12.2 percent in 2004; 50 percent increase in last five years.
• Clinical programs expanded, including the oldest and most respected sleep center in the Denver metro area.
• Research grant volume increased significantly-to more than $45 million in 2004; 25 percent increase over the past five years.
• First major nationwide capital campaign in National Jewish history exceeded $52 million.
• Internationally recognized new research initiatives, including the Environmental Lung Center, new Integrated Department of Immunology, and crystallography.
• Transitioned the institution out of the resource-depleting inpatient service.
• Department of Health Initiatives created to develop revenue-generating, "business-type" programs nationally that have become a major revenue source for the institution.
• Developed a "brand" for the institution and increased visibility in the greater Denver area and nationwide. Changed the institution's name and logo.
• Exceptional JCAHO site visits, evaluations and accreditation scores (98 and 99 out of a possible 100).
• Several community awards-most recently an award (for non-profits) for high ethics from the Colorado Ethics in Business organization.

Dr. Taussig has been president and CEO of National Jewish since 1993. He also is Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver. For nearly 20 years, he was on the faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, the last 8½ years as Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Director of the Steele Memorial Children's Research Center.

Dr. Taussig's clinical interests have focused on childhood asthma and cystic fibrosis. His research has concentrated on the childhood origins of chronic lung disease, especially asthma; lung growth and development as related to health and disease; and cystic fibrosis. He is the author of more than 160 scientific publications, seven books and monographs and he has lectured extensively around the world.

National Jewish is the only medical and research center in the United States devoted entirely to respiratory, allergic and immune system diseases, including asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, severe allergies, AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Founded in 1899, National Jewish is dedicated to enhancing prevention, treatment and cures through research, and to developing and providing innovative clinical programs for treating patients regardless of age, religion, race or ability to pay.

*U.S. News World & Report, 1998 through 2004.