Good Shepherd Names John A. Kristel As New CEO

Pennsylvania Native to Begin Duties by June 3, 2013

Allentown, PA – The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network Board of Trustees has named John A. Kristel, MBA, MPT, as the organization’s next President & CEO. He will join Good Shepherd no later than June 3, 2013. Kristel currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Carlisle Regional Medical Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and as Vice President, Operations, for the Atlantic Division of Health Management Associates. He began his career as a physical therapist.

“John’s experience leading health-care organizations and taking on the challenges of health-care reform made him an ideal candidate to lead Good Shepherd into the future,” says David DeCampli, chair, Board of Trustees, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. “The Board interviewed many qualified candidates, but John rose to the top for numerous reasons.

“One of John’s strengths is his authenticity in building relationships, which is critical for business and community partnerships,” adds DeCampli. “In addition, John’s personal and professional drive is aligned with the Good Shepherd mission.  John will help build on Good Shepherd’s commitment to innovation and to compassionate, quality post-acute care. The Board is confident that John will undoubtedly honor the legacy of the organization’s founder, the Rakers, as he moves the organization’s mission forward.”

Kristel will replace Sally Gammon, FACHE, who will retire in July after serving the organization for more than 16 years. There will be an overlap of up to 60 days to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Kristel has more than 10 years of experience in senior leadership health-care roles. Prior to joining Carlisle Regional Medical Center as CEO in 2009, he served as CEO of Berwick Hospital Center in Berwick, Pennsylvania, and as Associate CEO of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. From 1998 to 2006, he worked for Tenet Health System in increasingly responsible roles: Chief Operating Officer of Graduate Hospital; and Director of Operations, Director of Rehabilitation and the Medicine Clinic and Manager of Physical Therapy, all at Hahnemann University Hospital. 

“It is truly an honor to be selected to lead Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, which has an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality health care and for innovation – clear indications of a great organization,” says Kristel, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. “I am impressed by Good Shepherd’s commitment to its mission and by the staff members who are extremely dedicated to the Raker legacy and to the patients and residents. With a strong focus on its mission, Good Shepherd is well positioned to meet the challenges of health-care reform.”

Kristel earned an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business in Philadelphia  and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University.  Kristel was named Health Management’s “CEO of the Year” in 2011.

Kristel is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Temple University Healthcare Management Alumni Association and the Rotary Club International. He recently served as a board member for the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Carlisle Area YMCA.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a nationally recognized rehabilitation leader, offering a continuum of care for people with physical and cognitive disabilities and specializing in assistive and rehabilitation technology. More than 61,000 people come to Good Shepherd each year for specialized programs in stroke, orthopedics, brain injury, spinal cord injury, pediatrics, amputation and more. Good Shepherd provides rehabilitation services in 8 eastern Pennsylvania counties. Good Shepherd operates 22 outpatient sites, 4 inpatient sites, a long-term acute care hospital, 2 long-term care homes for people with severe disabilities, an independent living facility and a lifestyle products online store called Rehability. Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, began operations in July 2008 and provides post-acute care in the Philadelphia region. Good Shepherd was founded in 1908 when The Rev. John and Estella Raker invited a disabled orphan named Viola into their Allentown, Pennsylvania, home. Good Shepherd is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For more information, visit www.GoodShepherdRehab.org.

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