Long-time Sutter Health Executive to Head the Not-for-profit Network's Sonoma County Operations

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 10, 2002 - Long-time Sutter Health executive in Sacramento and the Central Valley, Mike Cohill, has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO) of Sutter Health's Sonoma County operations. Effective July 8, Cohill will assume executive responsibility for Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa, Sutter Warrack Hospital, and for Sutter Medical Foundation - North Bay, whose physician services are provided by Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods and a number of other contracted physicians.

Cohill, 52, a member of Sutter's leadership team for more than 20 years, brings to this position experience in hospital and physician organization management and integration, as well as a thorough knowledge of the not-for-profit Sutter Health network and Northern California's unique and challenging health care environment.

"I am looking forward to focusing the talent and energy of the people I have met in Santa Rosa with the support Sutter Health network provides to continue to meet the growing healthcare needs of this community," said Cohill.

Since 1994 Cohill has held multiple senior leadership positions in Sutter Health's Central Valley Service Area. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Central Valley Service Area, with responsibility for the administration, integration and growth of our affiliates in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties. Under his leadership, the Central Valley Service Area grew to net revenue of $468 million and 168,000 managed care lives. Affiliates in the Central Valley excelled in the Sutter Health clinical initiatives of Preventive Care, Breast Cancer, Congestive Heart Failure, and First Pregnancy and Delivery. His Central Valley experience also includes service as chief operating officer and later chief executive officer of Sutter Gould Medical Foundation in Modesto, Calif.

"We are pleased to bring an experienced leader of Mike's caliber to our community-based facilities in Santa Rosa," said Board of Trustees Chair Ed Dermott. "The proficiencies he has demonstrated in the Central Valley in the areas of patient care and financial management, should serve him well as he guides our organization in this challenging health care environment."

Cohill began his career with Sutter Health in 1980 as associate administrator at Sutter General Hospital in Sacramento. Four years later he became administrator of Monticello Medical Center in Longview, Wash. - one of Sutter Health's earliest affiliates. From 1986 to 1993 he held the position of administrator of Sutter Memorial Hospital. He holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola College in Baltimore, Md. and a master's degree in health services administration from St. Louis University. Cohill and his wife, Jayne, are avid golfers and have two grown daughters.

Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa has a long history in Sonoma County dating back to 1866 when the first hospital was opened. In 1996, the medical center (formerly the County-operated Community Hospital) became an affiliate of Sutter Health. In tandem with its cross-town affiliate, Sutter Warrack Hospital, SMCSR is licensed by the State of California Department of Health Services to operate 244 beds and is accredited by JCAHO and the California Medical Association.

Sutter Medical Foundation - North Bay is licensed to care for patients through professional agreements with physicians. The Foundation has such an agreement with Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods, which is comprised of 100 primary care physicians and more than 250 specialists who offer a broad range of primary and specialty care medical services through care centers located throughout Sonoma County.