100 High Street Buffalo, NY 14203

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Tuesday, June 8, 2004) - Connie Krasinski, senior vice president and chief learning officer of Kaleida Health, received the YWCA "Executive Leadership Award" at its 25th annual Leader Luncheon on June 4.

Krasinski was selected for an award that recognizes leadership in a professional career, volunteer activities, and the mentoring of other women.

"This is a terrific honor for Connie and the Kaleida Health family," said Bill McGuire, president and chief executive officer of Kaleida Health. "She is an extremely effective leader who represents the best that Kaleida offers to our patients and the communities we serve."

Krasinski has been in the Kaleida Health system since its inception in 1998. Over the past five years, her responsibilities have increased from administrator in patient care services at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, to what is now her senior management position at the largest employer in Western New York

In the past six months, she has also served as president of Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Kaleida Health's interim chief operating officer, and interim president of the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo.

With the award, Krasinski was acknowledged for her accessibility, enthusiasm, open communication style and her commitment to the improvement of women. She was also recognized for her strong volunteer work.

Krasinski received her bachelor's degree in nursing and her master's degree as a family nurse practitioner from SUNY at Buffalo. She also received her MBA from the Jacobs School of Management at SUNY Buffalo earlier this year. She is a Kaleida Ambassador and volunteers for the United Way, the Boys & Girls Club and the March of Dimes.

In addition to Krasinski's award, Lesleylinda Lannan, Kaleida Health's director of marketing, was also a finalist in the YWCA competition. This YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world.

Kaleida Health is the largest health care provider in Western New York. More than one million patients are seen annually at Buffalo General Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, The Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and numerous community health care centers. The system includes long-term care facilities, as well as visiting nurse, behavioral health and home care services.