Ken DeFurio

BHS President & CEO

Ken DeFurio has a unique and comprehensive perspective of the delivery and management of health care unlike that of most allied health care professionals. He began his career at Butler Memorial at the bedside as a respiratory therapist. As an RT, he had the opportunity to work in nearly every unit of the hospital, giving him valuable insight into the delivery of care across the continuum in a community setting. As a director of respiratory care services at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Ken was immersed in a large, fast-paced, inner city health system. As he has moved through the ranks at BMH, from executive director of outpatient services, to vice president of outpatient services, to chief operating officer, Ken has leveraged his early experience to help shape a vision of quality outcomes for patients, health system growth and strong financial performance. As chief operating officer for Butler Health System, Ken brought together his prudent fiscal management, strong knack for developing business opportunities and broad experience managing construction and renovation projects to help the hospital achieve positive operating margins over the past decade. He lead the development of each of the health system’s 13 outpatient locations, was integrally involved in its joint venture at Benbrook Medical Center and oversaw renovations at the existing facility of such high-technology areas as the Critical Care Unit, Intensive Care Unit and operating rooms.

Residence: Butler Township

Current Occupation: President and CEO, Butler Health System

Education: MBA, University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business; BS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Current Board of Director Positions:
• Butler Road Race
• Butler County Chamber of Commerce
• Benbrook Medical Center

Professional Memberships:
• Diplomat (CHE), American College of Healthcare Executives
• Healthcare Financial Management Association
• National VHA Shareholders C.O.O. Affinity Group
• VHA of Pennsylvania C.O.O. Affinity Group
• Registered Respiratory Therapist; Licensed RCP in Pennsylvania

Of Special Interest: Ken is a competitive bicycler and hockey player and also enjoys running, water skiing, snow skiing and reading. He lives with his wife, Tracey, and 14-year-old daughter, Alison, in Butler Township.