BUFFALO, N.Y. (Friday, May 14, 2004) - Ms. Cheryl Klass has been appointed President of Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and Vice President of Kaleida Health.

Ms. Klass is currently Chief Operating Officer of the Catholic Health System's Sisters of Charity Hospital and Vice President for Women's Health for the Catholic Health System.

In making the announcement Kaleida Health CEO William D. McGuire said, "Cheryl has an extensive background in hospital operations, and in particular, women's and children's services. Under her leadership, we hope to continue to strengthen the Women and Children's Hospital as a regional center of excellence for comprehensive pediatric and women's health care services."

The appointment is effective June 7, 2004.

Ms. Klass is not a stranger to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. She began her tenure at the hospital in 1977 as a staff registered nurse, was promoted to Nurse Manager in 1979, and Director of Nursing in 1985. Ms. Klass was then appointed Vice President for Nursing and Professional Services until her departure in 1993.

In 1993, Ms. Klass relocated to Chicago, Illinois and joined the Children's Memorial Medical Center, where she assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer.

She returned with her family to Buffalo in 1998 and worked as a business consultant before joining Mercy Hospital as Chief Operating Officer in 2002. In 2003 she transferred to Sisters Hospital as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Women's Health for the Catholic Health System, where she has served to date.

"I am sincerely honored to once again work with the entire staff at Women and Children's Hospital," said Klass. "I look forward to continued collaboration with the goal to strengthen healthcare for women and children in Western New York."

Ms. Klass received her BSN from Niagara University and her MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Business at Northwestern University.