Christopher LaCoe, administrator, Penn State Hershey Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI), has been awarded the ACCA/Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging Award of Excellence. Presented annually by the American Academy of Medical Administrators and the American College of Cardiovascular Administrators (ACCA), this award recognizes a cardiovascular administrator who has contributed significantly to the improvement of cardiovascular care and the advancement of cardiovascular administration.

Judges were looking for outstanding leadership and innovative solutions to the many challenges faced in the delivery of cardiac care. LaCoe has helped develop HVI into a national model for total heart and vascular health, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across six clinical programs. He is implementing strategic plans that include community outreach activities, satellite clinic sites, strategic alliances and clinical affiliations with acute care hospitals across Pennsylvania.

LaCoe was honored for demonstrating competency in the areas of leadership, creativity, involvement, knowledge, and professionalism. He has served as HVI administrator since April, 2001, and began his career with the Medical Center as a nurse in the adult critical care unit in 1989.