ANN ARBOR, Mich. (April 7, 2023) – NorthStar Care Community (NSCC), anchored by Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, recently announced that Robert (Bob) Cahill will retire from his role as president and CEO in December 2023. NSCC’s executive vice president and COO Patrick J. Miller, RN, MBA, MHSA, FACHE will succeed Cahill.
Cahill has served the not-for-profit for 25 years, 10 of which he served as CEO. Since stepping into this role in 2014, Cahill made it his mission to preserve the not-for-profit hospice mission in Michigan and across the country, so programs and services remain available to all who need end-of-life care. During his tenure, he helped increase the not-for-profit’s patient census by more than 30%, which enables NSCC to provide high quality hospice care for more patients and families throughout Michigan. NSCC has 750 employees, 525 volunteers, and 15 Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice care teams across the lower peninsula of Michigan serving nearly 1,500 patients every day.
Under his direction, NSCC eliminated debt, grew its assets, stabilized the workforce, and expanded services during the pandemic. His crowning achievement as CEO was to help NSCC grow stronger and more stable under his leadership.
“Bob Cahill is a true champion for not-for-profit hospice care in this country. He loves the work we do and has the deepest respect for the people who have dedicated their careers to our mission – from our clinicians who provide incredible care at the bedside, to many others who help keep this organization operating at the highest level,” said Marcie Hillary, senior vice president, community relations at NorthStar Care Community. “His work has grounded our organization, even when times were turbulent. Because of that, we are stronger than ever and better equipped to provide the highest quality care for all – regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances. We wish him all the health and happiness in his retirement.”
Miller will officially step into Cahill’s CEO role on January 1, 2024. Miller joined Hospice of Michigan in 2004 and has held a variety of roles including director of clinical services, director of new business development, director of organizational integrity, and most recently as executive vice president and COO for NSCC.
Throughout Miller’s time with NSCC, he and Cahill helped drive the not-for-profit’s national footprint through NorthStar Solutions Group, a division of the organization that offers hospice and home healthcare organizations of all sizes cost-effective, technology-driven resources to improve clinical and operational excellence. While these resources (triage, consulting, EMT/IT, referral intake, physician services, education, etc.) are vital to hospice operations, they can be costly for smaller hospices. Through its collaboration with partners like NorthStar Solutions Group, NSCC touches the lives of more than 10,000 patients annually in 18 states including Washington DC in partnership with 50 organizations.
Miller grew up in rural Centreville, Michigan, and his background includes 27 years in nursing and 17 years in executive leadership. As a clinician, Miller is passionate about patient care and has a deep understanding of what it means to serve patients at bedside. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and received his master’s degrees in business administration and health services administration, as well as his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from University of Michigan. Miller is a graduate of the Second Degree/Second Career program at Wayne State University College of Nursing.
“Patrick is an inspirational and creative leader. His hospice connections throughout the state and across the country are significant, and his leadership experience will only make NorthStar Care Community stronger,” said Cahill. “During his time as executive vice president and COO, he worked closely with me, making him the natural successor for CEO. Our sincerest congratulations to Patrick on his new role. I cannot wait to see where he takes us in 2024 and beyond.”
For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit northstarcarecommunity.org.
About NorthStar Care Community
NorthStar Care Community (NSCC) was created to preserve and promote the mission of nonprofit hospice and palliative care – to deliver expert, compassionate care to patients of any age, no matter their diagnoses, complexity of care, place of residence or ability to pay. NorthStar Care Community was formed in 2017 by two legacy nonprofit hospice agencies – Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice – and also includes NorthStar Palliative Care, the NorthStar Institute and Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children. As members of the NSCC family, the organizations combine operational resources in order to maximize support at each patient’s bedside, delivering the highest standards of care to those who are seriously ill. In total, NorthStar Care Community members serve more than 6,100 patients annually across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. For more information about NorthStar Care Community, visit www.northstarcarecommunity.org.