JCR Appoints John Babiarz,
J. Thornton Kirby to Board

(Oak Brook, Ill.—March 24, 2010) Joint Commission Resources (JCR) today announced the appointments of health care executives John Babiarz and J. Thornton Kirby as members of its Board of Directors.  JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.

Babiarz is group president of ARAMARK Healthcare Management Services, overseeing clinical support services operations—including food, facility, clinical technology and senior living services—for 1,300 health care organizations and more than 15,000 employees throughout North America. Babiarz earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Albany and his Master of Public Administration from the University of Hartford. He is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership.

“John’s experience in international health care and in creating a culture of service excellence that supports the continuum of health care will be valuable assets on the JCR board,” says Karen H. Timmons, president and CEO, JCR.

Kirby is president and CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association, working closely with hospital leaders, policymakers and business leaders on issues related to the safety and quality of health care. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the University of Virginia and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Kirby is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

“Thornton knows the challenges inherent in achieving and sustaining quality breakthroughs in health care organizations, and this voice-of-the-customer perspective will be important as JCR makes decisions about consulting, education, publications and other services” says Timmons.

Both Babiarz and Thornton will serve three-year terms on the JCR Board.