Ken Kates appointed vice president and chief operating officer of University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System

Ken Kates appointed vice president and chief operating officer of University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System

July 18, 2001

Kenneth P. Kates has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of the University of Chicago Hospitals and Health System, effective July 18, 2001. The previous COO was Michael Riordan, who become president and CEO of the Hospitals on July 1, 2001.

Kates, 46, has served the University of Chicago Hospitals since November, 1988, most recently, as vice president and director of the University of Chicago Children's Hospital.

Under his leadership, pediatric patient activity has increased, new clinical programs have expanded and outreach initiatives have been implemented. At the same time, the "Kids First" program, the Family Advisory Board, and the Kids Advisory Boards were initiated -- three projects that have improved services for patients and their families.

Planning, schematic design, and the design development process for the new $130 million University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital were also completed under Kates' direction. Construction is scheduled to begin later this summer.

Before his role in the children's hospital, Kates was vice president for physician services and executive administrator for the department of surgery. In this role he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Hospitals' surgical programs and worked closely with faculty and staff to support program growth and development.

Kates received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and an MBA in Health Administration from Temple University. Before coming to UCH, he served in several administrative roles at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.