GOVERNOR BREDESEN NAMES NEW CHILDREN'S CARE DIRECTOR

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 26, 2008

Nashville - Governor Phil Bredesen today named Bob Duncan as Director of the Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination. He replaces Tom Catron, who has served as director for three years and will return to Vanderbilt University at the end of this month.

As Children's Care Director, Duncan will oversee the state's efforts to improve the health and welfare of children across the state. Governor Bredesen created the Office of Children's Care Coordination to ensure Tennessee's compliance with federal EPSDT requirements, decrease the state's infant mortality rate and improve coordination of services delivered to children.

"Bob has a strong track record of working to expand access and improve the quality of health care for children in Tennessee" Bredesen said. "His experience and firm grasp on public policy issues will be tremendous assets to the work of this office. I appreciate his willingness to join my administration and put these skills to work for Tennessee's children."

Duncan currently serves as Vice President for Planning and Strategy for Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis. He will assume his new duties effective August 1.

"I am honored to join Governor Bredesen's cabinet and look forward to building on the progress that has been made in the delivery of care to Tennessee's most vulnerable children," Duncan said. "The Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination plays a critical role in addressing some of the most complex and pressing needs for children in our state, and I appreciate the opportunity to help Governor Bredesen and other child health advocates address those needs."

Duncan has served in a variety of capacities with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare since joining the health system in 1995. His responsibilities have included directing pediatric services, overseeing coordinated school health programs, managing advocacy and outreach programs and managing physician clinics. He also previously served in sales and management roles with Union Planters Insurance Company and Schering-Plough Healthcare Products.

Duncan, 43, is a native of Trenton, Tenn. He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Memphis, a master's of business administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin and completed the health care executive program at UCLA. He and his wife, Sarah, have three children.