Russell Branzell

The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has selected Russell P. Branzell as CEO, the organization announced this week. Branzell, currently the CEO of Colorado Health Medical Group, a division of University of Colorado Health (formerly Poudre Valley Health System), will begin his new role in April. Prior to his position at Colorado Health Medcal Group, Branzell had spent a number of years as CIO at what was then Poudre Valley Health System.

"Following a comprehensive search, the Board is fortunate to have found someone of Russ’ competency and experience to guide our organization successfully into the future,” CHIME Board chairman George T. "Buddy" Hickman, executive vice president and CIO at Albany Medical Center, said in a statement. “As a respected IT executive who possesses deep industry knowledge, Russ will continue CHIME’s successful legacy of achievements and assure CHIME’s position as the association leading the national transformation of health IT.”

Branzell, will work alongside Richard A. Correll, who is serving as interim CEO and will become the organization’s chief operating officer. The role of CEO was announced back in November.

Over the course of his career, Branzell has received numerous industry awards and has served on the CHIME Board of Trustees and various committees. In 2005, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) honored him as the Young Healthcare Administrator of the Year for the State of Colorado. In 2010, Branzell was honored with the CHIME State Advocacy Award.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Branzell earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Texas (Austin), and a master’s degree in aerospace science with an emphasis in management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.