[ALTOONA][BEDFORD], Pa. – Beginning Jan. 14, 2019, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford will welcome their new leader as Jerry Murray, current president, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford, transitions into a new leadership role as vice president, Special Projects, of UPMC’s Central Region. When Murray assumes his new role, Jan Fisher, chief operating officer, UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford, will be promoted to president of both hospitals.

“Jerry’s marketplace knowledge, years of clinical and operational experience and strategic management skills will support UPMC’s continued growth in the region,” said David Martin, market president, UPMC Central Region, senior vice president, UPMC Health Services Division. “Jerry will continue to be a key player for strategic development of UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford and support expansion across central Pennsylvania, into neighboring states.”

“I look forward to this position that will allow me to gain new experiences in new territories,” said Murray. “UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford are in the excellent hands of Jan and our experienced leadership team. Jan’s passion to empower teams and lead positive change has already made a dynamic difference at our region’s hospitals.”

With more than 36 years of hospital operations experience, Fisher previously served as chief operations officer at UPMC Susquehanna, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Laurel Health System and president and chief executive officer of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital.

“Jan has a proven track record driving high-performance organizations,” Martin said. “She’s known as a leader who improves quality outcomes and advances patient experiences. Jan’s operational talent and caring, transformational style will lead UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford to continued growth and success.”

Fisher looks forward to driving the hospitals’ strategic visions, working closely with Martin, Murray, the leadership teams and hospital employees and medical staff members.

“I am honored to lead our outstanding teams at UPMC Bedford and UPMC Altoona,” said Fisher. “In my time as chief operating officer, I’ve earned the utmost respect for our talented employees and doctors. I’m energized for the future, and all we will create together.”

The continuity of a regionalized presidential role and executive management group will align goals for both hospitals to work closely in partnership with one another. A shared vision across UPMC Altoona and UPMC Bedford will translate into care with greater coordination, stronger outcomes and improved patient experiences.