Kristel comes to Good Shepherd from Carlisle Regional Medical Center, where he is CEO.
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John A. Kristel
The chief executive officer of Carlisle Regional Medical Center in central Pennsylvania will be taking over as president and CEO of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.
John A. Kristel was approved for the job by the Good Shepherd board of trustees. He will start no later than June 3 and will replace Sally Gammon, who is retiring in July after 16 years at the helm.
Kristel started his career as a physical therapist. Besides his work with Carlisle Regional, he also serves as vice president of operations for the Atlantic Division of Health Management Associates.
“John’s experience leading health-care organizations and taking on the challenges of health-care reform made him an ideal candidate to lead Good Shepherd into the future,” David DeCampli, chairman of the Good Shepherd board, said in a prepared statement.
“One of John’s strengths is his authenticity in building relationships, which is critical for business and community partnerships,” DeCampli said. “In addition, John’s personal and professional drive is aligned with the Good Shepherd mission. John will help build on Good Shepherd’s commitment to innovation and to compassionate, quality post-acute care.”
Officials said Kristel has more than 10 years of experience in senior leadership health-care roles. Before joining Carlisle Regional Medical Center as CEO in 2009, he served as CEO of Berwick Hospital Center in Berwick, Pa., and as Associate CEO of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center in Pottstown, Pa.
From 1998 to 2006, he worked for Tenet Health System in roles that included chief operating officer of Graduate Hospital and director positions at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Kristel, a Bucks County native, said he's delighted to be joining Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, which he said "has an outstanding reputation for providing high-quality health care and for innovation – clear indications of a great organization.”
Kristel earned an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business in Philadelphia and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Drexel University in Philadelphia. He received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University. He was named Health Management’s “CEO of the Year” in 2011.
Kristel is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Temple University Healthcare Management Alumni Association and Rotary Club International. He recently served as a board member for the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Carlisle Area YMCA.