Electronic Health Reporter

Co-founder and former president and CEO of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Richard A. Correll announced his plans to retire at the end of the month, after 23 years. Correll has been serving as the organization’s chief operating officer and senior strategic advisor since April 2013 following the appointment of CEO Russell P. Branzell.

Correll has led the CHIME organization since it was created more than two decades ago as a nonprofit, professional association for senior IT leaders in healthcare.

“My years serving CHIME have been a privilege and the most rewarding of my career,” said Correll in a statement. “With the indispensable support of our members, board and staff, the organization has become a recognized leader and advocate for the CIO role and the effective use of information management to improve patient care quality and safety.

Correll helped forme CHIME in 1992, enlisting 192 charter members in the first year, led by founding board chair Dr. John Glaser. While serving on the HIMSS board in the 1980s, Correll identified the need for a professional organization dedicated to the development of the emerging top healthcare IT executives taking on the new title of CIO. Today, CHIME has grown to more than 1,500 members and 150 Foundation firm supporters.

“Our ability to utilize information technology to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of care has been significantly furthered because of the efforts of Rich Correll,” said Glaser, senior vice president of Cerner in a statement. “Rich’s creation and leadership of CHIME have led to major advances in the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the healthcare IT leadership community. His legacy is substantial; we all have been shaped his work.”

After CHIME was formed, Correll and Glaser spearheaded the creation of the CHIME Foundation in 1994, comprised of healthcare IT vendors and consultants to partner with the members of CHIME, and in 2007, a second office location in Washington, D.C. to create sustained contact with lawmakers while informing and influencing federal policies meant to transform the delivery of healthcare through IT.

Correll began his career in healthcare in 1973 at El Camino Hospital working under the leadership of John E. Gall Jr. in the implementation of the world’s first hospital-wide medical information system. He went on to become corporate director of management systems at Harper-Grace Hospitals in Detroit and president of California Health Management Systems in California. He later became the inaugural president of the Center for Healthcare Information Management (CHIM), established within the AHA in 1986 to invest funds donated by vendors and consultants in the growth of HIMSS. It was during that time that HIMSS established an exhibition floor, more than doubled in size and became recognized for hosting the premier healthcare IT conference and tradeshow.

“Rich’s contributions and accomplishments throughout his entire career have been instrumental in establishing IT leadership in the healthcare industry,” said Branzell, CHIME CEO and president, in a statement. “I’ve known Rich and have been involved with CHIME for over 17 years, and his vision and guidance have shaped the careers of countless industry CIOs. His presence will be greatly missed.”

“I speak not only for the board, but for all CIOs, when I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for Rich’s vision, guidance and stewardship,” said CHIME Board of Trustees Chair Charles E. Christian, vice president of technology and engagement for the Indiana Health Information Exchange in a statement. “Rich has led CHIME with an unwavering passion and commitment to the healthcare CIO role. We are all better for his contributions and friendship.”

Spanning his 45-year career, Correll has received numerous professional recognitions, including the 50 in 50 Award, a HIMSS 2011 recognition of 50 individuals over its 50-year history who have exemplified memorable achievements in healthcare IT, as well as awards of recognition from the CHIME Board for his leadership

Correll is a past member of the HIMSS Board of Directors (1985 – 1992) and a Life Fellow member of HIMSS (LFHIMSS).

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Correll earned an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Business Administrative from Wayne State University.

Correll said he looks forward to beginning the next phase of his life where he will be able to spend more time with his wife Wendy and two daughters, as well as more time to expand his humanitarian activities through community service. He said: “With the current volunteer leadership by the board, supported by a great staff, the organization is progressing into a number of new areas that will be of great value to members of CHIME and the CHIME Foundation alike.”