BUFFALO, N.Y. (Monday, March 22, 2004) - Kaleida Health, Western New York's largest healthcare provider, today announced three appointments within its Public Affairs and Development Division.

Gary C. Brice, Ed.D, of Orchard Park, was named Director of Community Relations and Corporate Communication Systems. Brice, who has served in various capacities with Kaleida over the past 14 years, will continue to serve as Director of Community Health and Wellness.

Brice earned his bachelor's degree in social science at Hiram College (Ohio), and holds two master's degrees from the University at Buffalo in social work and information and library sciences. He completed his doctorate in education at Century University. Brice is also an adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and D'Youville College. He serves on various community boards and advisory committees, including the Erie-Niagara Area Health Education Center and the WNED Community Advisory Board.

Lesleylinda Lannan was named Kaleida's Director of Marketing. The former Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Univera Healthcare, Lannan will be responsible for corporate marketing, research and advertising. Lannan, of Buffalo, earned a master's degree in Public Administration from Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Her undergraduate degree is a bachelor's of science in education from the State University of New York College at Cortland. Having spent many years working in the human services field, Lannan serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled.

Kaleida also appointed Michael P. Hughes to the position of Director of Public Relations and Media Strategies. Previously the Public Affairs and Marketing Manager for Rural/Metro Medical Services, Hughes will serve as the principal point of contact for local, regional, and national media, municipal representatives, elected officials, business leaders, and local community organizations.

Hughes serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Buffalo Metropolitan Crime Stoppers, the American Red Cross (WNY Chapter) Communications Committee and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership's Government Relations Committee. He is a graduate of the University at Buffalo's MBA certificate program and holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Canisius College. He is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo and the Buffalo F.B.I's Citizen's Academy.

Stephen D. McClellan, Kaleida's Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Development, said, "These appointments demonstrate Kaleida's commitment to excellence in health care. Gary, Lesley and Michael bring a high level of experience and expertise that will ensure our physicians, employees, patients and community members are well informed about important health care programs, innovations, and services."