June 30, 2009

Irene Helsinger, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of St. Luke's Episcopal Health System has accepted an exciting new position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Texas Heart Institute (THI). She will transition to this job by the end of July 2009.

Irene's 21-year career with St. Luke's began in 1988 as Vice President for Human Resources Administration. That was a challenging time for St. Luke's and Irene introduced the progressive compensation and staffing programs that enabled the hospital to develop an unsurpassed employment culture. In 1991, Irene became Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. In addition to her Human Resources responsibilities, in 2002 she became the leader of the new "Web Center," which has grown continuously from its inception to become a major internal (The Source) and external communication tool. In October 2003, Irene assumed responsibility for Corporate Communications, Marketing and Media Relations, spreading the St. Luke's image and brand as the "employer of choice" into the Greater Houston community. In 2005/2006, Irene accepted senior officer responsibility for Legal, Insurance, Risk Management, Governance, Chaplaincy, Pastoral Care, International Marketing, Corporate Services and Auxiliary. In January 2007, she became Chief Administrative Officer and her scope of responsibilities grew to include Episcopal Health Charities and Philanthropy. Over the past two years, Irene has provided senior executive leadership to St. Luke's new Sugar Land Hospital where she has served as Board Chair.

Irene has been a champion of the culture of St. Luke's, supporting our mission by introducing programs and benefits that show the importance of valuing people. During her years as Chief Human Resources Officer, St. Luke's was honored as a Fortune "100 Best Places to Work" and received top 10 ranking in Houston Business Journal's "Best Places to Work" six times. 

In her new role at THI, Mrs. Helsinger will have a wide range of responsibilities beginning with the launch of a major philanthropic campaign, developing international and domestic business opportunities, serving as Chief Compliance Officer and providing senior executive leadership to marketing and public affairs.

Irene will be a great contributor to Texas Heart Institute. She is a very experienced leader in health care, will build strong administrative teams and a culture of compliance. She will be a strong asset in THI's efforts to broaden its education and research programs both locally and internationally. We anticipate that she will be very helpful in future THI and SLEH collaborations and are delighted she has chosen to join THI as its Chief Operating Officer.

For a transitional period, Irene will continue to supervise St. Luke's Philanthropy and will remain on the Sugar Land Hospital Board.

Please join us in congratulating Irene on her new role and welcoming her to it.

James T. Willerson, M.D. Texas Heart Institute President & Medical Director	David J. Fine St. Luke's Episcopal Health System President & Chief Executive Officer