Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare CEO receives Career Achievement Award

Leo Fronza Jr. received the 2010 Career Achievement Award from the Chicago Health Executives Forum Feb. 3. Fronza, chief executive officer at Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, accepted the award during CHEF’s 35th annual meeting.

The Career Achievement Award gives special recognition to individuals who have made a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The award focuses on senior level healthcare professionals who have demonstrated an active commitment to advancing the healthcare management profession and who have served as role models in his or her organization, as well as in the community. The recipient must also be a member or fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“I am honored to accept this award, but this recognition is not about individual achievement,” Fronza said. “Successfully leading a complex healthcare organization requires a dedicated team of people, and I have been blessed throughout my career to have such a dedicated team of professionals supporting our organization.”

Fronza joined EMHC in 1978 as associate director and served as chief operating officer for 10 years before being named CEO in 1992. Prior to joining EMHC, Fronza held leadership positions at a major teaching hospital in New York and in the U.S. Army as an officer, which included a tour in Vietnam. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and his master’s degree from George Washington University.

In 2010, Fronza announced his intention to retire from EMHC after more than 30 years of service. Fronza’s retirement will coincide with the opening of Elmhurst Memorial Hospital's new campus in June.

CHEF is the largest independent Chapter of The American College of Healthcare Executives, with more 1,700 members in metropolitan Chicago. Membership is well represented by hospitals and health system leadership, but also includes managed care companies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms and other organizations that provide and support the delivery of healthcare services.