Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Appoints Bob Russell for the role of CEO

Bob Russell has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) after serving as the acting CEO since September 2022. He takes over from Michele Volpe, who assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) in September 2022, concluding her 23-year tenure as PPMC CEO.

During his time as acting CEO, Russell played a pivotal role in advancing several initiatives aimed at improving quality and the patient experience at PPMC. These efforts included reducing the length of stay in the Emergency Department and the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Over the past year, he guided the hospital’s leadership and staff in implementing crucial facility upgrades, recruiting new physician leaders, and enhancing employee engagement through activities such as rounding, meetings, and special events.

Before his role as acting CEO, Bob Russell served as the COO and associate executive director at PPMC. During this period, he introduced numerous initiatives that enhanced patient satisfaction and outcomes. Examples include the establishment of a concierge pharmacy service for discharged patients and the implementation of an outpatient specialty pharmacy program. Prior to joining PPMC, Russell held the position of clinical director for ambulatory and ancillary services at Pennsylvania Hospital for three years, where he oversaw efforts to reorganize and expand key clinical operations. He also held leadership roles at Health Management Solutions, Temple University Hospital, and Albert Einstein Medical Center.

Michele Volpe expressed confidence in Russell’s qualifications, experience, and institutional knowledge, stating, “After nearly two decades with the health system, Bob has demonstrated the expertise, experience, and institutional knowledge that makes him the clear choice for this role. I am thrilled for him to take on the CEO position permanently, where he will continue his important efforts to create an even more provider-friendly work environment and improve patient experience and outcomes.”

Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of UPHS, commended Russell’s contributions to Penn Medicine, noting that he has led several mission-critical initiatives to improve administrative operations, patient experience, and care delivery.

Bob Russell holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Temple University and a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

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