Edwin Colodny To Chair Board of Fletcher Allen Foundation

BURLINGTON, VT -- Fletcher Allen Health Care today announced the creation of the Fletcher Allen Health Care Foundation - a new partnership with the community designed to enhance philanthropic support for the organization.

Fletcher Allen also announced that former Interim Chief Executive Officer Edwin I. Colodny will chair the board of its new foundation, which has set a fundraising goal of $5.5 million for 2008.

"We are thrilled that Ed Colodny has agreed to take on this very important role of leading our community fundraising board," said Melinda L. Estes, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Fletcher Allen.  "Ed's commitment to high-quality health care in our community is inspirational to all of us at Fletcher Allen."

"Last year, Fletcher Allen developed a strategic plan and vision for the year 2010 and beyond: we are committed to being a national model for the delivery of high-quality academic health care for a rural region," Estes said. "I want to thank Ed and the other members on this board for their willingness to support our vision for the future through philanthropy."

A native of Burlington and a former long-time CEO of one of the country's largest airlines, US Airways, Colodny served as Interim President of the University of Vermont from June 2001 through June 2002, and then served as Interim CEO of Fletcher Allen from October, 2002 through October, 2003.

He joins several leaders on the board, including:  Nancy Binter, M.D., Brian Boardman, David Coates, Lois McClure, Holly Miller, Marc Monheimer, David Schneider, M.D., Roger Stone, Betty Woods, and Glen Wright.

"I am honored once again to have been asked to work with this important community-based institution," Colodny said.  "This is a vibrant academic medical center that contributes greatly to the quality of life we enjoy in this region.  The team of doctors, nurses, and staff that day in and day out deliver first-class health care to the citizens of Vermont, New York, and New England deserve our support."

"Under the capable leadership of Dr. Estes, Fletcher Allen has made great strides over the last four years.  There is a strategic plan and a vision for the future.  With these pieces in place, the timing is right to move forward with a strong community fundraising effort."

Fletcher Allen Health Care, together with its partners at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, is Vermont's academic medical center.  Fletcher Allen's mission is to improve the health of the people in the communities it serves by integrating patient care, education and research in a caring environment.

Fletcher Allen also serves as a regional referral center -- providing advanced care to approximately one million people in Vermont and northern New York -- and as a community hospital for approximately 150,000 residents in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties.  With more than 6,500 employees, Fletcher Allen is the 2nd largest employer in Vermont.