Tuesday, July 31, 2012

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Floor Statement Remembering R. Timothy Stack

Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, this morning I got some very sad news. The State of Georgia and the people of my State lost a giant in the health care industry.

Tim Stack was my friend. He was the president of the hospital that 2 years ago treated me well, which is why I am here today. He was a giant in health care not just in Georgia but in America. On behalf of myself and all the citizens of my State and the countless thousands of patients whose lives have been made better or even saved by Tim Stack, I send my condolences to his wife Mary and his three sons: Ryan, Tim, and Matthew.

Tim Stack grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, working in the steel mills. When the mills closed, he looked to find a job, and he worked in central supply at the Eye & Ear Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA. He was working and studying to be a teacher and a football coach. By working in the hospital, he became fascinated with the complexity of hospital administration and was challenged by the love of caring for people who were ill. Tim Stack changed his major to hospital administration and became a leader in the United States in the administration of hospitals.

Let me read from a press release on his record in Atlanta, GA, alone:

Under his leadership, Piedmont grew from two hospitals and eight physician practices to a $1.6 billion organization that includes five hospitals, more than 50 primary care and specialty physician practices and a 900-member clinically integrated network.

He also helped develop the Piedmont Heart Institute, which treated me 2 years ago and is the reason I am standing here today, which is the leading heart institute not just in Atlanta and in Georgia but throughout the United States.

Tim was one of a kind. His loss will be felt by countless thousands of Georgians. To his family, his friends, and all who knew him, I express my sympathy.

I want to read a quote from him that was written in 2006 when he was interviewed by Atlanta Hospital News for a profile. Tim wrote the following:

The attributes of a good leader are universal. You need to love what you do, be open and inquisitive and persistent, not afraid to make waves if you have to. You should also be personally productive and work well with others. Be innovative and allow others to innovate. Finally, be a certifiable member of the human race. Cultivate a light touch, be passionate about your career, but be sure to balance it with the rest of your life.

That expresses better than I can what Tim was all about. I shall miss him greatly, as will all of my State. Again, I send my sympathy to his wife Mary and his three sons: Tim, Ryan, and Matthew.

I yield the floor.