Fort Collins, Colo. (June 20, 2014) – Marilyn Schock will be the new chief operating officer of Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, chief executive officer Kevin Unger announced today.

With more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership, most recently as the chief executive officer at McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Schock said she has always touted that northern Colorado has amazing health care. “University of Colorado Health is a world-class organization, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” the Windsor resident added.

“I am thrilled to be working side by side with Marilyn,” Unger said. “I’ve always been impressed while working with her on community initiatives in northern Colorado as well as with the results she has been able to achieve over the course of her career. She is a proven leader who never loses sight of what matters most – the patients.”

Unger added that Schock’s extensive experience and clear understanding of the needs of the community will be a tremendous resource to UCHealth as the organization navigates the ever-changing health care environment.

In her new role as chief operating officer, Schock will be overseeing operations at both hospitals. Her responsibilities will include collaboration with medical staff and leadership on operational issues; quality and process improvement; and reinforcement of the system’s dedication to patient care and satisfaction.

Each hospital has had a chief operating officer in the past. This new role consolidates those positions, which have been vacant in recent years.

Schock earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on health care strategy, both from Colorado State University.

Her career began as an occupational therapist at McKee in 1986. She was the director of rehabilitation at the hospital from 1991-1999. She then served in several administrative roles at Banner Health facilities leading up to her placement as chief executive officer at McKee in 2009.

She will officially take her position with UCHealth on Aug. 18.

About University of Colorado Health

University of Colorado Health is a Front Range health system that delivers the highest quality patient care with the highest quality patient experience. University of Colorado Health combines Memorial Hospital, Poudre Valley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies, University of Colorado Hospital and a network of more than 40 medical clinics into one organization dedicated to health and providing unmatched patient care in the Rocky Mountain West. Separately, these institutions can continue providing superior care to patients and service to the communities they serve. Together, they push the boundaries of medicine, attracting more research funding, hosting more clinical trials and improving health through innovation.