FRISCO - Paul Chodkowski believes that Catholic health care is much like the High Country's majestic scenery and relaxed lifestyle. They both have the power to mend the body, mind and spirit.

"We treat the whole person," said Chodkowski, the new administrator of St. Anthony Summit Medical Center being constructed in Frisco.

Catholic health care has always been vital to Chodkowski, because its mission resonates with his own personal values.

"I truly believe that the Catholic health care approach toward healing, which includes the body, mind and spirit, is something most people are looking for in receiving health care services," Chodkowski said.

He and his wife Diane both have roots in Colorado with family in Boulder and Denver. They both graduated from the University of Colorado. Chodkowski received his bachelor of arts in political science there in 1975, and earned his masters in health care administration from the City University of New York.

"When this opportunity presented itself, it was the perfect match for me," Chodkowski said. "It allowed my wife and I to return to Colorado and live in one of the most beautiful places in the world."

The Frisco resident is responsible for monitoring the new building's construction and developing a staffing plan for the facility. The hospital will require 30 new employees, which will be hired over the summer and fall, bringing the total to approximately 175 staff members. Two of the positions, director of patient care and human resources specialist, are already being recruited.

Once the building opens, Chodkowski will oversee day-to-day operations of the hospital.

Chodkowski believes the best management style is one that involves everyone's equal input and cooperation.

Chodkowski, who describes himself as being "young at heart, open to new adventures and opportunities and always willing to learn new things," enjoys myriad outdoor activities. He and his wife ski, hike, bike and play tennis. Chodkowski is also an avid fly fisherman.

"Physical activities help me unwind," Chodkowski said. "My major release is getting outdoors and enjoying sports."

He and his wife also enjoy music from classical to rock 'n' roll and are looking forward to experiencing local events.

"One of the things that attracted me to Summit County was its sense of community in the towns and across the county," Chodkowski said.

Prior to coming to the High Country, Chodkowski was the administrator for a hospital in his hometown of Schenectady, N.Y. - the same hospital he was born in. Chodkowski returned to New York for seven years after working in hospital and health care administration in northern California.

Who is our new hospital administrator? • Name: Paul Chodkowski • Family: Wife, Diane • Colorado roots: Both he and his wife graduated from the University of Colorado • Philosophy of health care: Mend the body, spirit, and mind.

He said the hospital's construction remains right on track. He expects to have the keys to the new building in hand on Nov. 14 and is anticipating an opening before Christmas.

Chodkowski said he wants to ensure that the services the new hospital offers are appropriate to the growing senior population in Summit County. He also wants to develop programs that relate to the conditions that are prevalent in seniors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Chodkowski is also the administrator of the Summit Medical Center, the Copper and Granby clinics and the Seven Mile Medical Clinic in Winter Park.



Jennifer Huffman can be contacted at (970) 668-3998, ext. 248, or at jhuffman@summitdaily.com.