Jeffrey Klenk doesn’t have a medical background, but the new chairman of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) Foundation has plenty of experience with the Hartford-based children’s hospital.
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Jeffrey Klenk doesn't have a medical background, but the new chairman of the Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC) Foundation has plenty of experience with the Hartford-based children's hospital.
A West Hartford resident, Klenk is a senior vice president at Travelers Insurance. But his familiarity with the hospital stems from bringing his children there for everything from broken bones to extensive heart surgery, he said.
CCMC recently launched a new five-year strategic plan, which Klenk believes will position the hospital for growth opportunities. As chairman of the Foundation's board, he also wants to focus on statewide brand awareness and enhancing the hospital's offerings and footprint across Connecticut. CCMC recently made news with its acquisition of Shelton-based concussion clinic HeadZone, which serves patients up to 22 years old.
What's your steepest learning curve taking over as board chairman?
I think my biggest learning curve is that I don't have a medical background. I do have some familiarity with the healthcare industry having underwritten various insurance products during my 24 years in the insurance industry, but it's such a rich and dynamic field. I'm looking forward to learning more through the on-boarding activities that they have planned for me.
What are the Foundation's most important tasks?
I believe that in addition to the critical role of raising funds to support the Medical Center's operations, the Foundation team is focused on working with the entire Connecticut Children's team to raise the statewide profile of the Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Connecticut is fortunate to have our own children's hospital. Unfortunately, many people outside of metro-Hartford aren't familiar with the Medical Center's capabilities.
How important is CCMC to the Greater Hartford community?
While those of us living in the Greater Hartford community may take it for granted, Connecticut Children's is one of the true cornerstones of our area. Last year, Connecticut Children's cared for nearly 100,000 children and performed more than 10,000 surgeries. We have the largest neonatal intensive care unit care delivery network in the state (which recently ranked as tops in the state by U.S. News & World Report), and entered into a care alliance with Western Connecticut Health Network this year to ensure all children in Connecticut have access to the best pediatric care.
Can you tell us something about yourself most people don't know?
I love going to Disney World, even without the kids. I'm a kid at heart. Aren't we all?
