Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital Names Chief Operating Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (July 17, 2007)--The Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital has hired Christine Bent as its new chief operating officer.

Bent comes to the Minneapolis Heart Institute from Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Newton, Mass. There, she was vice president of operations and oversaw service lines that represented more than $300 million in annual revenue and included imaging, surgical specialties and pharmacy.

Her prior experience includes serving in various leadership roles with Partners Community HealthCare, Inc., a management services organization in Needham, Mass. that provides services to more than 1,000 primary care physicians, 1,500 community specialists and 2,500 tertiary specialists.

"Christine is an experienced leader who knows how to navigate large, complex organizations," said Kevin Graham, MD, a cardiologist and president of the Minneapolis Heart Institute. "We're thrilled that she's made the decision to come back to Minnesota, and we're looking forward to working with her."

Bent received graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., and received a master's degree from the University of Minnesota.

Minneapolis-based Abbott Northwestern Hospital is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, a non-profit network of hospitals, clinics and other health care services. Abbott Northwestern is found online at www.abbottnorthwestern.com.