After 17 years of holding positions in the University Health System, the highest ranking female hospital administrator began a new job on Monday.
| Gaucher |
"It just seemed like a fascinating opportunity and a chance for me to do some great things," Gaucher said.
Gaucher left the University to become the vice president of Total Quality and Customer Satisfaction for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota.
"This is really an opportunity to lead a major change process," Gaucher said of her new role.
Interim executive director of the University hospitals Larry Warren said Gaucher's departure is a great loss to the hospital, in a statement last week.
"Ellen's contributions over these past 17 years have been enormous," Warren said. "We will miss her talent, energy and overall effectiveness.
"On the other hand, knowing that she has accomplished so much here, it is with a real sense of pride that we bid her farewell and watch her go, as have so many others from Michigan, to climb 'yet another mountain.'"
Gaucher has reunited with her previous boss, John Forsyth, in Iowa. Forsyth, served as former University Hospitals' Chief Executive Officer, now serves as the CEO and president of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa and South Dakota.
Gaucher is known for her work at the University Health System's Total Quality Management program.
"I have done many external projects that I hope leave behind a legacy for the future," Gaucher said. "(However,) the people that worked with me should take the credit. I wish I had some of them here."
Gaucher said she will focus on the same kinds of initiatives for Blue Cross/Blue Shield as she did at the University.
However, she said Blue Cross/Blue Shield is in a better position than the University was when she began making improvements at the Medical Center.
"Here, I'm going to be able to build on other people's success," Gaucher said.
In addition to her work at the University, Gaucher has co-authored two books on healthcare. She said another book is on the way and is scheduled for completion in July.
Gaucher said she believes the University Medical Center will announce her successor this week.