Hazelden Board of Trustees Names Long-Time Twin Cities Health Care Executive

Mark G. Mishek, a Minnesota native with extensive executive-level experience in health care, was named president and CEO of Hazelden on Aug. 25, 2008. The appointment was made by the Hazelden Foundation Board of Trustees.

Mishek comes to Hazelden from Allina Hospitals & Clinics, where he was most recently President of United Hospital of St. Paul and an Allina senior vice president. Mishek succeeds Ellen L. Breyer, who resigned in April.

"Mark Mishek has been a dynamic leader in health care in the Twin Cities for a long time," said Norb Conzemius, chairman of the Hazelden board. "He has demonstrated his ability to manage complex health care organizations. His contribution and level of commitment to service and quality patient care will provide a valuable asset to Hazelden as we grow and innovate to meet the challenges of treating addiction."

Mishek's career in health care spans 30 years. He has held positions with the Allina system since 1981, including Executive Vice President for Law & Public Affairs and General Counsel, and the Corporate Secretary for Allina Hospitals & Clinics.

"Hazelden is extremely fortunate to have appointed Mark as its new leader," said Ken Paulus, President & COO, Allina Hospitals & Clinics. "Mark is a tremendous advocate for those seeking treatment for addiction and is committed to helping people from all walks of life battle this disease. His passion, as well as his remarkable engagement in public policy, makes him an ideal leader for Hazelden."

"Hazelden is an outstanding organization with a rich legacy and a bright future," said Mishek. "I am honored and grateful to have been chosen by the board to lead such a highly respected, mission-driven company. Hazelden truly is an international leader in helping people sustain lifelong recovery to addiction to alcohol and other drugs. I'm excited to build upon Hazelden's strong foundation, started 60 years ago, to assure that its messages of hope and recovery reach the broadest possible audience."

Mishek earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Minnesota. He is currently chair of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of Capital City Partnership and ClearWay Minnesota. He has been a past board member of the Portico Healthnet. He lives with his family in St. Paul and is in long-term recovery from the disease of addiction.

"Mark's professional expertise and personal experiences in recovery are an integral match to Hazelden's mission," said William Cope Moyers, Executive Director of Hazelden's Center for Public Advocacy.

Mishek is expected to assume his new duties on November 3, 2008.