Sheppard Pratt Health System announced today the appointment of Armando E. Colombo as vice president and chief operating officer (COO), effective April 24, 2017. Colombo joins Sheppard Pratt Health System from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he served as chief executive officer of Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital and interim chief executive officer of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. Previously, Colombo served as president and chief executive officer of InterMedical Hospital of South Carolina.

In his role as Sheppard Pratt Health System's chief operating officer, Armando Colombo will report directly to the President and CEO Harsh K. Trivedi, M.D., M.B.A., serving as a member of Sheppard Pratt's leadership team. Colombo will lead operations for the health system to ensure implementation of strategic plans for the organization—assisting with long-term quality of care initiatives; planning and staffing management; facilities and infrastructure planning; systemization; and championing quality and safety measures.

"Armando brings to Sheppard Pratt Health System over 20 years of proven results as an executive leader," said Trivedi. "Armando's expertise in operations will strengthen Sheppard Pratt's continuum of care, which is already regarded as pioneering in world-class mental health care delivery."

"I am honored to step into this role at Sheppard Pratt Health System," said Armando. "I look forward to partnering with Sheppard Pratt leadership and the many talented employees throughout the health system to implement operational strategies that meet the needs of our physicians, patients, staff, and the community we serve."

Over the course of 21 years, Armando also served as chief executive officer of Select Medical Corp. in Georgia and Texas, HealthSouth in Florida, and Charter Behavioral Health System in Virginia, with a successful track record in improving performance and streamlining operations. He has held roles on several boards, including the American Lung Association, Free Medical Clinic, and South Carolina Connections Academy. Armando received his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from St. Louis University.

"Armando will be an indispensable resource for Sheppard Pratt Health System as we continue to provide the most compassionate mental health care to the most people in need," said The Honorable J. Frederick Motz, chairman of Sheppard Pratt's Board of Trustees. "With his extensive experience leading healthcare organizations across several states, Colombo's perspective will help Sheppard Pratt continue to grow and innovate as a national leader in the mental health landscape."

About Sheppard Pratt Health System

Sheppard Pratt Health System (SPHS) is the largest non-profit provider of mental health, substance use, special education, and social support services in the country. As a nationwide resource, SPHS provides 2.3 million services each year across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based services. Since its founding in 1853, SPHS has been an innovator in the fields of research and best practice implementation, with a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. SPHS has been consistently ranked as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for the past 26 years.