ANN ARBOR—Ann Arbor health care executive James P. Fitzgerald has been appointed executive in residence to the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

The School of Public Health has entered into a partnership with Superior Consultant Co. to contract Fitzgerald for his services as executive in residence. His appointment is intended to enhance the visibility of the program among potential employers.

Fitzgerald, a U-M graduate, is a corporate vice president and consultant for Superior Consultant in its Ann Arbor office. He specializes in hospital and health system management strategic planning and marketing. Fitzgerald earned a master’s degree in hospital administration from the U-M Business School in 1961.

“I am extremely pleased to have this opportunity to share my experience with the students and faculty in order to continue the high caliber of the program,” Fitzgerald said.

The Department of Health Management and Policy represents the health care and health policy branches of public health. Students graduate from either one of the department’s two master’s degree programs or from the department’s doctoral program. The department also offers postdoctoral training programs and fellowships.

The school has graduated over 2,500 students who hold positions in every sector of health care and health policy. Graduates work in the areas of public health administration, health care finance, hospital and clinic management, health care research and in health related positions with federal, state and local governments.

“We’re just delighted to have Jim on board. He’s making contacts for us within our industry, making sure our students are interviewed for the top jobs and is keeping us informed of new developments in this very fast-paced field. It’s ideas and people like this who keep our program on top,” said William Weissert, professor and chair of health management and policy.

The 2001 college rankings by U.S. News & World Report ranked the U-M program in health services administration as the top program in the country.