By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.
What makes a good company great?
For Trident Health Resources, Inc., the proof is in its people. My most important role as president and CEO has always been in growing and developing a strong team. One thing is certain, the journey was never made alone. And it is in the relationships with others that has led to Trident's thrust forward over nearly quarter of a century, through changing economies, regulatory environments, and new technologies.
Trident's corporate culture is grounded on patient-focused care and fosters a servant management premise: That is to say, a servant leader serves the people he/she leads and provides an outcome that employees are an end in themselves rather than a means to an organizational purpose or bottom line. As we grow, our need for additional clinical expertise and strategic business models has also expanded. It is with both gratitude and pride that Trident's leadership has talented people overseeing key areas of the company to inspire new ideas and drive improvements.
I would like to introduce some of Trident's key managers who have been recently promoted and appointed to positions of leadership. But before I do that, I mention that as Trident has grown over the years, some have asked me when I would finally step aside and let others run things. I may be "the old man"... I'm still on board (remaining as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee), but it should be noted that it's not just me... others have been running things here for a long time. We are a team. So that I can be freed to look at opportunities for Trident and focus a bit more in the marketing arena, it is with much confidence that I promote and appoint key personnel for greater responsibilities.
Ron Bailey, who has served as Trident's Executive Vice President since 2000, has been promoted to President and COO. Ron has experience as a hospital administrator and more than 25 years in operations and financial management. His areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare industry and leadership in strategic planning, P&L management, productivity & cost control programs, accounting systems development, and inventory control. On a personal note, Ron is an integral part of the soul of the company. He and I have worked in sync for many years.
Jeff Poland, BS has recently joined Trident as Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations. He is responsible for corporate clinical operations and development. I've known Jeff professionally for many years. His 32 years industry experience as a perfusionist and reputation as a seasoned manager (most recently president of a well respected perfusion services company) makes him an obvious choice for this new position with Trident. Jeff adds to our team the clinical expertise and leadership we need as we grow.
Julie Small has been appointed as Trident's Corporate Controller. She will manage the everyday operations of the company and oversee daily administrative management at the home office headquarters in Dunedin, FL. Julie has worked with us for over a decade, formerly as a third party provider of human resources and accounting services. Trident's relationship with Julie has been long-term and it is with utmost faith this expansion of her role will make us an even better and more efficient company.
Norman Worcester, CCP, the founder of Apex Perfusion, Inc., is welcomed as part of Trident's family. He will continue as Apex's president and take on additional responsibility as Trident's Vice President of Clinical Operations. Worcester will lead the company's expansion on the West Coast. Norm and I have been speaking about this merger for years and it is with great enthusiasm I announce this Association of Excellence.
When I reflect upon Trident's past and where we are today, I pause with much humble appreciation. We entered the locums side of perfusion staffing and became the preferred choice for over 200 hospitals which sought vacation relief and emergency placement of perfusionists. Over the years, our business has grown into long-term accounts and we still continue to have a presence on the locums side. Our volume and growth grew organically and consistently as we built our company's reputation. But this was not achieved single-handedly. It is the relationships built with others and the consistency of quality service that has permeated our culture, making all the difference.
What makes a good company great?
For Trident, it is its relationship with our people... Success lies in the great leadership and talents of many.
Please join me in welcoming Trident's team in their new roles.
Ralph E. Jordan
Founder & CEO
Trident Health Resources, Inc.
