On Thursday, April 3, the Hennepin Healthcare System (HHS) Board of Directors appointed Thomas Klemond, MD as Interim CEO of the organization in a unanimous vote. The appointment will be effective April 11, 2025.
Dr. Klemond brings clinical leadership and management experience to the interim role, along with a deep knowledge of Hennepin Healthcare's team and commitment to the work. Dr. Klemond joined Hennepin Healthcare in 2017 as Division Director for Palliative Medicine and has served as the Vice President of Medical Affairs and President of the Medical Staff since February of 2022. Before joining Hennepin Healthcare, he served in leadership roles at Park Nicollet/HealthPartners, where he worked as Department Chair for Palliative Medicine and Community Care from 2012 – 2016.
"It's a privilege to see our Hennepin Healthcare team's deep commitment to our community firsthand and to play my own role in advancing that mission through patient care," he shared. "I am honored to serve in the organization in this capacity because I believe wholeheartedly in our team, the work we do, and in the important place we have in delivering patient care to our community."
Board of Directors Chair Mohamed Omar welcomed Dr. Klemond to the leadership role and expressed the Board's support as he transitions into the position: "The Board approved Dr. Klemond in a unanimous vote with full confidence that he is the right leader for the challenges ahead. We appreciate his deep commitment to excellent patient care and his connection to our mission. We know he has the experience to lead the organization through a pivotal time and that he will be a fearless champion in the days ahead."
Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Jennifer DeCubellis said: "Dr. Klemond will have my full support as he transitions into this role. He will have the backing of a strong Executive Leadership Team who will lead alongside him as Hennepin Healthcare carries out its goals and mission."
The Board will engage a search firm to conduct a comprehensive national search for a permanent successor in the months ahead.
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About Hennepin Healthcare
Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County. The comprehensive safety net healthcare system includes a 484-bed academic medical center, a large outpatient Clinic & Specialty Center, and a network of clinics in the North Loop, Whittier, and East Lake Street neighborhoods of Minneapolis, and in the suburban communities of Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and St. Anthony Village. Hennepin Healthcare has a large psychiatric program, home care, and operates a research institute, philanthropic foundation, and Hennepin EMS. The system is operated by Hennepin Healthcare System, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of Hennepin County.
