Hovan Named COO

At Danbury Hospital

DANBURY — Keith A. Hovan has been named chief operating officer for Danbury Hospital, according to Frank J. Kelly, president and CEO of the hospital and of Danbury Health Systems.

Mr Hovan joined the hospital as senior vice president of operations for medical, surgical and rehabilitation services in 2001, and was the lead administrator responsible for the successful approval of a Certificate of Need application to establish open-heart surgery and angioplasty at the hospital.

 The approval will make Danbury the only facility in the area to offer a full array of advanced cardiac services.

 “Danbury Hospital has historically modified its management structure to address emerging priorities in a changing health care landscape.  Keith demonstrates the leadership skills needed to facilitate our continued evolution as a regional health care center,” Mr Kelly said.

 As COO, Mr Hovan will direct core strategic programs to achieve the hospital’s goals and objectives for operational excellence, growth and financial performance.  He will work in collaboration with medical and nursing leadership to further align operational areas to support quality care, patient safety and service excellence initiatives at the hospital, and to support its mission to advance the health and well-being of the community.

Prior to 2002, Mr Hovan, served as vice president of clinical services for the Henry and Lucy Moses and Einstein-Weiler Hospitals, Montefiore Medical Center of New York, where he was responsible for clinical operations and faculty practice management, primarily in surgery. Prior to that assignment, he served as associate hospital director and administrator for surgical and emergency services there.  Additionally, he served as director of nursing for surgical and emergency services, nurse manager of emergency services, and staff nurse at Bridgeport Hospital. 

Mr Hovan earned a master of science degree in nursing from Sacred Heart University, graduating first in his class with an Award for Academic Excellence.  He was awarded numerous honors over his career, including the Margaret Cinchack Award for Excellence in Bedside Nursing, Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society, and the 1990 Emergency Nurses Association Nurse Manager of the Year Award.