HealthEast announces executive realignment

New HealthEast CEO Kathryn Correia on Wednesday announced a major shift in the corporate structure at the St. Paul-based hospital system, a move she said helps position the organization for the future.

HealthEast is the state's 10th-largest hospital organization. It operates 15 clinics as well as Bethesda and St. Joseph's hospitals in St. Paul, St. John's Hospital in Maplewood and Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury.

Although it is the market leader in the east metro area, HealthEast has struggled with debt and poor cash flow.

Correia took over as chief executive in January and has identified "three strategic imperatives" for the next three years that focus on accountability, value and expanding use of electronic health records.

As part of the leadership changes, effective July 1, the CEOs of each of the three acute care hospitals will take on broader organizational roles. Roger Green, vice president of strategy, policy, marketing and communications, will retire after 38 years.

• Scott North, current St. John's CEO, will become responsible for operations at St. John's, St. Joseph's and Woodwinds.

• Tom Schmitt, current Woodwinds CEO, will become senior vice president of Accountable Care Organization, clinics and outpatient services.

• Julie Schmidt, chief transformation officer, will become senior vice president and chief administrative officer.