Gateway Rehab President Receives Health Care Hero Award

Pittsburgh – Kenneth S. Ramsey, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Gateway Rehabilitation Center, received the 2005 Health Care Hero Executive Award in ceremonies held March 11 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh.  The health care executive award was one of eight awards presented to individuals or organizations in recognition of their efforts to improve the quality of health care for residents of the Pittsburgh area. 

The executive award honors an individual for implementation of innovative programs to improve patient care or business practices, demonstrated results, and personal dedication evidencing commitment beyond the scope of the position in leading a health care institution or organization.

With 38 years of experience in the drug and alcohol treatment field, nearly 28 of which have been spent at Gateway’s helm, Ramsey has dedicated his professional life to helping restore the lives of adults, kids, and families struggling with alcohol and other drug problems.  More than 80,000 individuals have taken the first steps toward recovery at Gateway since its founding in 1972.

During Ramsey’s tenure, Gateway has become an internationally respected leader in its field, recognized as one of the top 100 rehab centers in the country and one of the top 12 as cited by Forbes magazine.  Ramsey initiated aggressive expansion efforts during the 1980s and 1990s creating a comprehensive network of inpatient and outpatient treatment programs in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, prevention programs, educational efforts and research activities.  Not-for-profit Gateway provides services in over 20 locations to more than 9,000 individuals per year.

Active in numerous professional and community organizations, including president of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, chairman-elect of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, and member of the CEO Club of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Rotary, Ramsey was appointed last year by Governor Ed Rendell to the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.  He was among the first 50 Pittsburgh area leaders selected for participation in Leadership Pittsburgh.

Ramsey earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Wheeling College (now Wheeling Jesuit University) in Wheeling, West Virginia; a master’s degree in administration and counseling from Fordham University in New York City; and a Ph.D. degree in social work/strategic planning from the University of Pittsburgh.

Health Care Hero Awards is presented by Pittsburgh Business Times and sponsored by World Health and Med Tech.           

Gateway Rehabilitation Center is a private, non-for-profit organization offering comprehensive prevention services and treatment for adults, youth and families with alcohol and other drug problems.  With locations throughout Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, Gateway provides services for over 9,000 individuals annually.