Rodney L. Goldstein, an accomplished Chicago business executive and longtime leader in the University community, has been appointed as Chair of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees.
His appointment takes effect upon a confirmatory vote by the University Board of Trustees on June 3. Goldstein, currently Vice Chair, will succeed James S. Crown, who will conclude his term as Interim Chair of the Medical Center Board.
“Rod’s background in planning for the success of varied enterprises will be invaluable as the Medical Center enters a critical period of growth and new opportunities,” said Everett E. Vokes, MD, Interim Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and CEO of the Medical Center. In May 2009, construction began on a $700 million New Hospital Pavilion that, when completed in 2013, will provide one million square feet of space with 240 new beds, 23 operating rooms, 7 interventional suites, and other advanced diagnostic and treatment services.
Andrew M. Alper, Chair of the University Board of Trustees, announced the appointment after extensive consultation with Medical Center and University trustees. Alper said that Goldstein has been an important source of support and guidance for Vokes, University President Robert J. Zimmer, and other University and Medical Center leaders as they help the UCMC fulfill its mission as an outstanding academic medical center.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Rod's dedication and experience to serve in this important role at a time of both tremendous opportunities and complexity,” Alper said. “Rod shares with University and Medical Center leaders a compelling vision of the Medical Center’s continuing role as a leading institution of research, clinical care, education and community engagement.”
Goldstein joined the Medical Center Board in 1992. He has been a Trustee of the University since 2006.
He is Chairman and Managing Director of Frontenac Company, a Chicago–based private capital investment firm. Frontenac makes long–term equity investments in closely held companies, and serves as a financial partner to them. Over the nearly 40 years since its founding, the firm has a achieved a substantial record of working with mid–sized family and founder–owned businesses.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve our exceptional medical community in this new role, and to work even more closely with our outstanding physicians, researchers, nurses, management leaders and volunteers,” Goldstein said.
He added that like so many who serve the Medical Center as volunteers, he has deeply personal ties to its mission: He lost both his mother and a sister prematurely to cancer. “Everyone has been touched in some way by health challenges to those they love. That experience drives my commitment to the Medical Center’s efforts to eradicate disease, change people’s lives for the better through research and education, and see that the sick receive superior clinical care,” Goldstein said.
Since joining Frontenac in 1981, Goldstein has led investments in a broad range of industries. He has served on the boards of directors of several private and public companies, and served as a director of the National Venture Capital Association. He was previously with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. A member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, he is involved as a trustee in a number of civic endeavors including the Cancer Research Foundation, Chicago.
Goldstein is an honors graduate of Princeton University and received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has been married to the former H. Keith Kiley since 1979; they reside in Chicago and have three children.
“Rod’s extensive and engaged leadership experience with many aspects of the Medical Center Board, his role on the University of Chicago Board, and his commitment to the values of the University of Chicago make him an ideal choice to lead the Medical Center Board and advance its missions,” Zimmer said. “The University is committed to outstanding research and education and the impact of that research and education on improving the quality of people’s lives. These values are powerfully demonstrated through the work of the Medical Center, where we are committed to delivering outstanding clinical care.
“Rod will be a wonderful leader for the Medical Center Board in working with the University and the leadership of UCMC to see these values realized at the highest levels," Zimmer said.
Goldstein said his 16 years on the Board’s Finance and Strategy Committee, which he has chaired since 1997, have been excellent preparation for this new leadership role.
“I come out of that experience understanding the importance of consistent investments in human capital, as well as facilities, that can sustain our position at The Forefront of Medicine. I’ve learned that while long–term economic sustainability is a foundation for our important work, it is just the starting point, and not an end in itself,” he said.
Goldstein is a member of the Trusteeship, Compensation and Development Committees and he has served on the Planning Committee, and the Investment Subcommittee. He co–chaired the campaign committee that resulted in the construction and opening of the Comer Children’s Hospital, and he served on the campaign committee that led to the construction and opening of the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine.
“We welcome Rod’s leadership of the Board in supporting the goals of the Medical Center as we continue the important work to expand our clinical platform and partnerships, improve the patient experience, implement electronic medical records and further invest in research. These priorities will help secure our future as a distinctive center of clinical care, innovation, and fundamental research,” Vokes said. “As Board Chair, Rod represents the Medical Center’s highest priorities and aspirations.”
—Prof. Kunle Odunsi
