CHICAGO-The Cook County Health and Hospitals System announced today that the independent governing board elected David Carvalho as Chair, and Jorge Ramirez as Vice-Chair of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board of Directors.

“I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to David who has a long history with the health system and brings a high level of commitment with expertise in healthcare and law.  He cares deeply about patient care and safety as well as the financial house of the health system which all remain top priorities for this organization.  I look forward to working closely with Dave and the rest of the board members, including the newest members, as we continue in our mission of providing quality healthcare to all Cook County residents, regardless of  their ability to pay,” said Dr. Ram Raju, Chief Executive Officer, Cook County Health and Hospitals System.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new Chair of the Health System board.  I am looking forward to the challenging yet what I know will be a rewarding responsibility.  The board has made difficult decisions since its inception and we have more challenges to face, but together we will work to put the healthcare needs of Cook County residents first,” said David Carvalho, Chair, Cook County Health System Board of Directors.

Carvalho has been on board since 2008 as Chair of the Finance Committee, and a member of the Human resources committee. He also currently serves as Deputy Director at the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Carvalho graduated with a J.D. from Harvard University and resides in Flossmoor, Illinois with his wife Anna.

The Cook County Health and Hospitals System Board of Directors is made up of 10 volunteers plus the Chair of the Health System on behalf of the Cook County Board, “Jerry Iceman” Butler.