Robert J. Brody recognized for commitment, contributions to healthcare
excellence
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Robert J. Brody has forged a long career focused
on discovering innovative ways to deliver stellar and accessible healthcare to
patients and to build enduring relationships with the many communities served
by Franciscan Alliance. He possesses a quiet but steady style of leadership which
might well be described in three words, says one of his long-time associates: A servant’s heart.
Such qualities are among the many reasons why Brody – senior vice
president and chief operating officer for Franciscan
Alliance – was selected by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) for the 2016 Distinguished Service Award.
The award is presented annually to an Indiana hospital CEO who has made
outstanding contributions to their organization, its patients, the community
and the overall healthcare profession.
With hundreds of hospital leaders from throughout the state and his
proud colleagues and family looking on, Brody was presented with the award Oct.
6 at the IHA’s annual membership meeting in Downtown Indianapolis.
Brody, who served as president and CEO of Franciscan Health’s hospitals
in Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel from 1996 to 2015, has been at the forefront
on many progressive and sometimes thorny issues in the ever-changing arena of
healthcare industry.
Brody, who was unaware he had been selected for the Distinguished
Service Award, only shook his head and smiled when it was revealed in a special video screened at the
IHA meeting. And with characteristic modesty, he gave full credit to the many
who have impacted his career. Here’s what some of his colleagues and friends
had to say about him:
“Bob has been a
great friend, coach and mentor to me for many years. He is an outstanding
advocate for our patients and communities and has led the way in improving the
quality of care and patient satisfaction. Bob is a leader and an innovator, not
only in his work with Franciscan Alliance, but for our city and state – and all
of healthcare is better for it.” – James
Callaghan, MD, president and CEO for Franciscan Health Central Indiana
“Bob has always
exemplified what we stand for in healthcare at Franciscan Alliance. Our mission
statement is ‘continuing Christ’s ministry in our Franciscan tradition.’ He is
very deserving of this award and I am honored and proud to say that I am Bob’s
friend.” – Sister Marlene Shapley, OSF,
vice president of mission services, Franciscan Health Northwestern Indiana
“He has a servant’s
heart and that’s how he does his job and lives his life. And he’s committed to
Franciscan values… Bob has often testified before state commissions, the
legislature and also on the national level on healthcare issues and he’s done
so admirably and humbly.” – Wayne Schmidt,
chairman of Franciscan Health Central Indiana Board of Directors
“Bob has been our
chairman-elect, he has been our champion over the Friends campaign, chairman of
the government relations, and Bob has been a leader in every moment he has been
present. He demonstrates all of those attributes that this award celebrates.” –
Douglas Leonard, IHA President
“Bob Brody always
has been a mainstay in healthcare in Indianapolis and he’s worked
collaboratively with other hospitals in the marketplace. He has looked beyond
just the four walls of Franciscan Health and always looks out for the best
needs of the patient.” – Seth Warren,
president and CEO, Riverview Health
During his time at the helm as CEO, Brody
spearheaded countless expansion and quality initiatives making Franciscan
Alliance’s Central Indiana Region one of the elite
healthcare providers in Indiana and the nation. He expanded the system
from a single acute care hospital to three institutions.
He directed a $300 million expansion and
renovation that included the consolidation of Beech Grove inpatient services to
the expanded Indianapolis campus in 2012. He also oversaw the creation of
Franciscan St. Francis Heart Center and expanded cancer and women services.
Brody also engineered the merger of Mooresville’s Kendrick Hospital
into Franciscan Alliance and built a short-stay hospital in Carmel.
He worked to establish Franciscan Hospice House, a free-standing center on the
Indianapolis hospital campus.
In his current role, Brody is responsible
for all of Franciscan Alliance’s free-standing ambulatory services and
directing the Franciscan Physician Network, which includes more than 750
physicians and nurse practitioners in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Before
his career at Franciscan Alliance, Brody served in a variety of administrative
leadership roles at hospitals in New Jersey, Louisiana, Texas and North
Carolina.
A Fellow of the American College of
Healthcare Executives, Brody is a board member of Franciscan Alliance
Foundation Franciscan Health, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Health
Information Exchange, Indy 500 Festival and The Sycamore School of Indianapolis.
He is a previous member of the Indianapolis-Catholic Community Foundation, Lay
Board of Advisors for the Sisters of St. Benedict, Make-A-Wish Foundation of
Indiana, Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, Indianapolis-Marion County
Public Library Foundation and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Brody received his undergraduate degree from
Boston College and earned a master’s degree in health administration from Duke
University. He completed an administrative residency at Ochsner Clinic in New
Orleans.
Brody and his wife Helen are Carmel
residents and have three children.
