HAZELDEN APPOINTS NEW CEO

The long wait to see who will head up Hazelden – a pioneer in addiction treatment for 60 years – has ended. Minnesota native Mark G Mishek was named as president and CEO of Hazelden, the national non-profit organisation that helps people reclaim their lives from addiction.

Mishek will start on 3 November 2008, arriving from Allina Hospitals & Clinics, where he was most recently president of United Hospital of St Paul and an Allina senior vice president.  He succeeds Ellen Breyer.

"He has demonstrated his ability to manage complex healthcare organisations," said Norb Conzemius, chairman of the Hazelden board. "His contribution and level of commitment to service and quality patient care will provide a valuable asset as we grow and innovate to meet the challenges of treating addiction."

Mishek's career in health care spans 30 years. He has held positions with the Allina system since 1981, including executive vice president for Law & Public Affairs and General Counsel, and the corporate secretary for Allina Hospitals & Clinics.

"Mark is a tremendous advocate for those seeking treatment for addiction, and is committed to helping people from all walks of life battle this disease,” said Ken Paulus, president and COO of Allina Hospitals & Clinics.

Mishek earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Minnesota.  He is chair of the St Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of Capital City Partnership and ClearWay Minnesota.  He has been a past board member of the Portico Healthnet. He lives with his family in St Paul and is in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction.

"Mishek's professional expertise and personal experiences in recovery are an integral match to Hazelden's mission," said William Cope Moyers, executive director of Hazelden's Center for Public Advocacy.

HAZELDEN NOTES.

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organisation founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. With nearly 60 years of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher learning, public education and advocacy, and publishing. It has facilities in Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, and New York.