Aaron Garofola selected as Dupont Hospital's new CEO
12/1/2016
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Friday, Dec. 2, 2016) - Lutheran Health Network officials today announced that Aaron Garofola, MBA, was chosen to become Dupont Hospital's chief executive officer after serving as its interim CEO since August. Previously, Garofola was CEO for Lutheran Health Network's Bluffton Regional Medical Center since 2012.
"Aaron possesses a contagious enthusiasm," said Todd Rumsey, M.D., chairman of the board, Dupont Hospital. "My confidence really grew while working with him in what amounted to an eight-week interview during his interim role."
At Bluffton Regional, Garofola initially worked as the assistant chief executive officer for more than a year before his advancement to CEO. Bluffton Regional is a full-service, 79-bed hospital wherein Garofola was known for creating a culture dedicated to safety, quality and service for patients.
At Dupont, Garofola takes over for Chad Towner who ended his tenure in Fort Wayne Sept. 9 to become president and CEO of the multi-hospital Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, Ind.
Prior to joining LHN, Garofola was the director of human resources at C&M Conveyor, Inc., in Mitchell, Ind., and at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
Garofola obtained his Health Care Manager Certification through the Indiana Hospital Association's Executive Leadership Education Program in 2009. In 2011, he earned an MBA in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University, Terre Haute, Ind., after receiving a bachelor's in organizational management from Oakland City University, Bedford, Ind., in 2006.
He served in the Indiana Army National Guard from 2001 to 2007 with two deployments: Bosnia in 2002 and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005. While serving in Kabul, Afghanistan, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceeding standards in HR leadership, planning, and operations.
Currently, Garofola is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Indiana Hospital Association Rural Health Council and he's the secretary for the Indiana Hospital Association's Northeastern District.
Married with three children, Garofola enjoys traveling with the family, golf, and following his two daughters in marching band and show choir.
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