The SSM Health board of directors have selected healthcare executive Laura Kaiser as its next president and CEO. She will succeed William Thompson who is retiring at the end of April. Thompson has been with the organization for 37 years.
Kaiser, a Missouri native with more than 30 years of experience in healthcare, joins St. Louis, Missouri-based SSM Health from Intermountain Healthcare, where she has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the past five years. Prior to Intermountain Healthcare, she held a number of leadership roles at Ascension Health over 15 years, including serving as president and CEO at Sacred Heart Health System.
SSM Health board chairman David Cosby called Kaiser “a gifted and visionary leader,” who bring a proven track record.
“We believe she is the right leader to help lead our organization into the future, while ensuring the strength of our mission and providing our patients and customers with the exceptional care and service they have come to expect from SSM Health,” Cosby said.
Kaiser will be responsible for leading all aspects of one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the country, and will help guide SSM Health’s transition to a value-based model.
SSM Health includes 20 hospitals, more than 60 outpatient care sites, a pharmacy benefit company, an insurance company, two nursing homes, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a technology company and two accountable care organizations.
Twitter: @Bernie_HITN
Email the writer: bernie.monegain@himssmedia.com
