After an extensive nationwide search, Deborah Graves has been selected as the new president and chief operating officer of Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.

Graves brings a wide breath of experience in health care, strategic planning and business proficiency while creating successful and collaborative work environments to engage residents, patients and employees.

“We are thrilled that Deborah Graves will lead Levindale into the next chapter of our storied 125-year history of groundbreaking care for our elders. Her medical expertise, operational knowledge and innovative vision make her the ideal individual to ensure that Levindale continues to be a pioneer in the complex world of post-acute and long-term care,” says Leslie Simmons, executive vice president of LifeBridge Health, Levindale’s parent company.

She adds, “Along with an appreciation for Levindale’s rich history and mission, Deborah brings a genuine commitment and caring approach to patient-centered care.” Graves will begin her tenure at Levindale on November 27.

Graves joins Levindale from Benedictine Health System, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, where she was the senior vice president of client services. Benedictine provides a complete spectrum of post-acute services that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, inpatient rehabilitation, and transitional, home health and long-term care to seniors.

“Levindale is a special place. On my visits there, I met the dedicated and compassionate staff and saw their devotion to taking care of their residents and patients. I am excited to be joining this amazing team,” says Graves.

She continues, "My personal philosophy is that health care creates a sacred space that allows us, as providers, to share intimate aspects of the lives of those we serve. My role is to support our staff in ways that allow them to understand their relationship within that sacred space and the direct impact they have in the lives of those around them. The key to success lies with owning the thought that we are each responsible for the other. This is the cornerstone for person-centered care."

Graves earned her Bachelor of Nursing and her bachelor of Sociology from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of New Orleans. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the League of Nursing, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

In 2008, she was selected as one of Minnesota’s 100 Influential Health Care Leaders, which recognizes leaders in the industry who contribute to the high quality of health care in Minnesota.

About Levindale:

Levindale is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of health care in Maryland. In addition to Levindale, LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital and related subsidiaries and affiliates.

Levindale provides a range of services, including long-term care, behavioral health, chronic hospital services and skilled nursing home care, as well outpatient day treatment programs and adult day services.