Penn Highlands Mon Valley President Announces Retirement
Louis J. Panza, Jr., President of Penn Highlands Mon Valley, is planning to retire by the end of 2022. His retirement date is dependent upon the completion of a national search for a successor who will transition into the newly created role of Regional Market President - Southwestern Region.
Mr. Panza joined Monongahela Valley Hospital in 1984 as Controller, and soon after accepted responsibilities as Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. He assumed the role of President and CEO in 2004. In that position, he served on the Hospital's Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors of Mon-Vale Health Resources, Inc., the Hospital's parent organization. As President and CEO, he oversaw the operation of Monongahela Valley Hospital; Mon-Vale Multiphasics, Inc., a supplier of durable medical equipment and operator of a full-service health and fitness center; Vale-U-Health, Inc., which offers healthcare insurance through a Preferred Provider Organization; Mon-Vale Non-Acute Care Services, Inc., which operates a personal care community and a skilled care facility. In 2021, when Monongahela Valley Hospital began its affiliation with Penn Highlands Healthcare, Mr. Panza remained with the hospital as its President.
"This is a bittersweet announcement," said Jeff Kotula, Chairman of the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Board of Directors. "Lou Panza has been one of the longest-serving presidents of a Western Pennsylvania health system. He's led our system through significant growth, has been very active in the communities we serve and motivates our staff. We wish him well in his retirement."
During Mr. Panza's leadership career with the Hospital, he oversaw many major initiatives such as construction of the Residence at Hilltop and the Mon Valley Care Center. In addition, he orchestrated the purchase of the Monongahela Valley Hospital HealthPlex and led a $25 million Capital Campaign that funded state-of-the-art operating suites and technologically advanced cancer care. The Hospital also received numerous awards for outstanding patient satisfaction and safety as well as quality in heart/stroke care, orthopedics, bariatrics, lung/COPD, diabetes and breast care.
"The time is right," said Mr. Panza. "I've given this much thoughtful consideration. I can retire with the knowledge that joining Penn Highlands Healthcare, we are positioned for the future. I have had the privilege to serve our patients and this community, as well as working with great people who I will dearly miss."
"We are grateful for Lou's leadership and untiring commitment to the health and wellness of the Mon Valley region," said Steven M. Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare. "The entire Penn Highlands staff wishes him a relaxing and enjoyable retirement."
About Penn Highlands Healthcare
Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011, and is comprised of eight hospitals - Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Tyrone - that have served area communities for the past 100+ years.
Its business continuum also includes home care agencies, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.
Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with 6,651 workers in 150+ locations throughout 39 counties in Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,498 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds. The system, which has 827 physicians and 405 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important - patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare the best choice in the region.
