[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 135 (Wednesday, September 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. JOSEPH A. WASSERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 23, 2009

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to Mr. 
Joseph A. Wasserman of southwest Michigan. After nearly four decades in 
health administration, Mr. Wasserman will be retiring as the president 
and CEO of Lakeland HealthCare.
  A man of the Midwest, Joseph was born in Lima, Ohio. He went on to 
receive his bachelor's degree in business administration from the 
University of Toledo and his master's in health administration from the 
University of Michigan. Joseph was named the president and CEO of 
Lakeland HealthCare in 1984 and has served in his position with 
distinction and honor.
  Throughout his career as president and CEO, Joseph Wasserman has 
played a vital role in the success of Lakeland HealthCare. He managed 
the merger of four hospitals in the system, including the consolidation 
of the organizational structure to enhance the quality and value of 
services for southwest Michigan residents. Joseph introduced key 
services and technology to provide a continuum of care in areas such as 
oncology, outpatient services, long-term care, and home care. He led 
the healthcare industry in the area of evidence-based design by 
creating spaces that promote healing. He also launched an innovative 
five-star service program to create a service-minded, patient-centered 
culture. These impressive achievements earned Joseph such honors as the 
2009 Health Care Weekly Review Excellent Administrator of the Year 
Award and the 2008 MHA Meritorious Service Award, and earned Lakeland 
HealthCare the Gold Seal of Approval for Primary Stroke Centers from 
the Joint Commission and the 2008 VHA Leadership Award for Clinical 
Excellence.
  Throughout his nearly four decades in healthcare administration, 
Joseph Wasserman's leadership skills, compassion, and commitment to 
outstanding service have made him an asset not only to Lakeland 
HealthCare, but to the entire State of Michigan. As Mr. Wasserman 
prepares for his retirement this September, he leaves a legacy that 
will benefit the community for generations to come.

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