Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> January 13, 2000
MARK PACALA has spent his career in highly service-oriented consumer
businesses. His passion is integrating business strategy with
implementation ' in environments where customer service is the critical
determinant of success. After earning his MBA from Harvard Business
School, Mr. Pacala worked for the Health Care Strategy Practice of Booz-
Allen & Hamilton, the international consulting firm. His primary
concentration at Booz-Allen was long range strategic planning for health
care service providers. Mr. Pacala then joined the Marriott Corporation,
both in corporate strategic planning and hotel operations. He was
responsible for the conception, design and launch of the Fairfield Inn
lodging brand. As Vice President of Operations, Mr. Pacala opened the
first 40+ Fairfield Inn hotels and was deeply involved in establishing
the service and operating models for the business. Today Fairfield Inn
has over 300 hotels nationally. Mr. Pacala was then recruited to the
Walt Disney Company as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the
Disney Vacation Club. He led the launch and implementation of this new
business which featured a 50 year membership in Disney resorts, theme
park privileges, travel services and other Disney benefits. At the time
of his departure, the business was operating in four major resort
locations. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Pacala was Chairman and CEO of The
Forum Group, a $200 million revenue seniors housing and health care
company, with 44 senior living, assisted living and skilled nursing
facilities, and a home health care service. During his two year
involvement with Forum, the company generated 35% compounded earnings
growth, acquired 12 retirement communities, joint ventured with two
assisted living firms and completed a $125 million mortgage refinancing.
The company was sold to Marriott in mid 1996 at over twice the value it
had when he arrived. Mr. Pacala joined American WholeHealth as CEO in
September, 1996. His demonstrated strengths in leading health care and
service businesses through sustained growth without compromising quality
or customer service bring the precise mix required for the continuing
success of American WholeHealth. Profile
Mr. Pacala: The company is three years old and our mission is to be the
gold standard for integrative medicine ' the combination of
