Miami Jewish Health Systems Board of Directors Elects Adrienne Arsht Center President & CEO M. John Richard as Newest Member

COCONUT GROVE, FL, March 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) In a move that aligns the leadership of one of South Florida's longest-standing healthcare organizations with that of one of the region's chief cultural institutions, the board of directors of Miami Jewish Health Systems (MJHS) has elected M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, as its newest member. The appointment reflects MJHS' ongoing efforts to foster diversity amongst its volunteer leadership by engaging influential members of South Florida's business, civic and philanthropic communities.

Mr. Richard joins the board just as MJHS celebrates its 70th anniversary of service to South Florida, an achievement that points to the nonprofit's ability to adapt to shifting dynamics among the region's diverse population and overcome challenges within the healthcare industry over a span that has seen many similar organizations falter. Today, MJHS stands as one of one of the largest and most innovative healthcare providers in the southeast U.S., with a team of nearly 1,000 employees who serve 3,700 people each day on the organization's Miami campus and at ancillary facilities across South Florida.

"As a mission-driven, community-based organization operating in a healthcare industry that is growing more complex by the day, Miami Jewish Health Systems looks to its engaged corps of volunteer leaders to provide management perspective and assist in cultivating private sector support," said Jeffrey P. Freimark, Chief Executive Officer of Miami Jewish Health Systems. "John Richard's track record of success managing large nonprofit institutions will be a tremendous asset to our board and our organization as a whole. John's ability to galvanize support among diverse groups and translate that support into community togetherness and philanthropic giving is in direct alignment with our own goals as we chart a course for our long-term viability. We are proud to call him a member of the Miami Jewish Health Systems family."

Mr. Richard arrived at the Adrienne Arsht Center in late 2008 after serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey. Under his direction, the Adrienne Arsht Center has emerged as a cultural hub for Miami's diverse community, a presenter of world class programs and educational initiatives, a center of activity for the city's burgeoning urban core, and an engine for economic development. At the same time, Mr. Richard has developed close ties with a number of the community's corporate leaders, spearheading marketing partnerships and sponsorships with Bacardi USA, American Airlines, Bank of America, Grupo Eulen, and Wells Fargo, among other companies.

Mr. Richard spent 19 years at NJPAC prior to joining the Adrienne Arsht Center, helping the organization earn international recognition for diversity in programming and community participation. He oversaw several departments, including operations, fundraising, marketing, and public affairs. Among his accomplishments was the direction of initiatives including the organization's initial $187 million capital campaign, recruitment of its board of directors, and a $100 million endowment campaign. He also developed the nation's fourth-largest arts education program, an area of focus that has remained a priority in his tenure at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Mr. Richard is a founder of the Partnership in Philanthropy of New Jersey, an organization that encourages and mentors small non-profits throughout the State. He is active in the Performing Arts Center Consortium of North America and has served as a trustee for the Newark, New Jersey YMWCA.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, where he studied behavioral science. John and his wife Lynne have two children, Rachel and Aaron.

About Miami Jewish Health Systems
Miami Jewish Health Systems is one of the largest and most innovative healthcare providers in the southeast United States. Founded in Miami in 1940, the 1,000 employee not-for-profit healthcare system treats 3,700 people daily through Centers of Excellence, residential living, community care, Alzheimer's and memory care, nursing and medical care programs. These areas of focus aim to help people of all ages enjoy longer, healthier, more enriched lives. Learn more at http://www.miamijewishhealthsystems.org.