November 9, 2001

Major changes in leadership at two Partners HealthCare institutions recently were announced: Jeffrey Otten, president of BWH, announced that he is stepping down from his position, and North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) announced the selection of Robert G. Norton as its new president.

Otten began his tenure at BWH in 1993 and led the hospital to establish key affiliations with Faulkner Hospital and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. He also led the creation of the hospital's physician organization and a partnership with Cape Cod Hospital for a successful community cardiac surgery bid.

"Jeff's shoes will be very tough to fill," says Samuel O. Thier, MD, president and CEO of Partners. "His entire tenure has coincided with a decade that has been marked by turbulence and extreme challenges for health care providers. Thanks to Jeff, Brigham and Women's not only has weathered the storm but has emerged better, stronger and more committed than ever to its critical missions."

Otten plans to move to the private sector and pursue a career in the biotech industry but will remain active in BWH fundraising activities.

Norton will begin his new position as president of NSMC in January, working closely with Gary Gottlieb, MD, the hospital's current president, to effectively transition the leadership of the organization.

Norton has served as president and CEO of Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in Florida since 1998. Previously, his career was spent in Boston as executive vice president at Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center from 1996 to1998 and as president of New England Deaconess Hospital from 1995 to 1996. He also was a senior vice president at New England Baptist Hospital from 1991 to 1994.