After Wisconsin hospital merger, leader takes top role | MED MOVES

Imran Andrabi, MD, has moved into the new role of president and CEO of Froedtert ThedaCare Health.

Imran Andrabi, MD

Andrabi began the new role on July 1. The organization was created by the merger of Froedtert Health and ThedaCare, two Wisconsin hospital systems. The merged organization operates 18 hospitals and a host of other clinics and outpatient facilities.

When the systems came together in January, Andrabi began serving as president and Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO of Froedtert Health, became CEO of the merged organization. When Jacobson retired July 1, as she announced she would do last year, Andrabi was elevated to the CEO position.

In an interview with Chief Healthcare Executive® last year, Andrabi said the two systems held similar views on key issues.

“We are tremendously lucky to have two organizations that have such congruence on some of these subjects that can become really sticky,” Andrabi said last year.

When evaluating potential partners, they both wanted to work with another organization based in Wisconsin.

“We chose to intentionally stay within the state of Wisconsin,” Andrabi said. “And we chose to have our governance within the state and our leadership within the state, so we can be accountable to the people that we serve. And those are all very intentional conversations.”

Andrabi said the merged system is focused on improving health equity.

“Each community is different,” Andrabi said. “We have one community that has a very high concentration of Native Americans, and their needs are totally different.”

Katie Bruels

HCA Midwest Health appoints chief nursing officer

Katie Bruels has been named chief nursing executive of HCA Midwest Health.

Bruels began her new role on June 17. She most recently served as chief operating officer of Menorah Medical Center.

She joined HCA Midwest Health in 2019 as Menorah Medical Center’s chief nursing officer. She held the post for four years before advancing becoming COO in 2023.

“Providing colleagues opportunities to learn, grow and lead is at the core of HCA Healthcare, and it makes me proud to be part of this amazing team at HCA Midwest Health,” Bruels said in a statement.

Keith Zimmerman, president of HCA Midwest Health, said Bruels brings “strong relational leadership.”

“She is passionate about helping colleagues find their path, advance their careers and achieve personal success, which directly correlates with the high-quality and compassionate patient care and experience delivered throughout HCA Midwest Health’s many access points throughout the region,” Zimmerman said in a statement.

Before joining HCA Midwest Health, Bruels served as assistant chief nursing officer and vice president of adult patient care services at Medical City Healthcare in Dallas, Texas, part of HCA’s North Texas Division.

She also worked in HCA’s Far West Division as associate chief nursing officer and director of the clinical decision unit for Mountainview Hospital, and as clinical director of patient services and manager of adult emergency department and trauma for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.

Peter Benkowski

MetroHealth names chief strategy officer

Peter Benkowski has been appointed senior vice president and chief strategy officer of the MetroHealth System in Ohio.

Benkowski will begin his new role on July 15. MetroHealth says he will play a key role in developing plans to transform health services in northeast Ohio. He’ll also oversee the system’s partnerships.

He said he is “thrilled” to join MetroHealth.

“Together, we will build upon MetroHealth’s strong foundation and ensure that we are continuing to differentiate our services and programs, while delivering the highest quality of care to meet the needs of our community,” Benkowski said in a statement.

Airica Steed, president and CEO of MetroHealth, said in a statement that Benkowski “brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that aligns perfectly with our commitment to health equity, innovation and clinical excellence.”

“His leadership will be instrumental in driving MetroHealth’s continued growth and delivering upon our promise to lift the health and wealth of the communities we serve,” Steed said.

Benkowski most recently served as senior vice president of strategy for Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. He has previously held leadership roles at Intermountain Health and OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio.

Sam Leonor

Adventist Health appoints chief mission officer

Sam Leonor has been appointed the new chief mission officer of Adventist Health.

Leonor began serving in the post July 1. Adventist says Leonor will work to ensure that the health system is making sure its values are aligned with both day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

For the past five years, Leonor served as Adventist’s mission identity and spiritual care executive.

Kerry L. Heinrich, president and CEO, Adventist Health, said in a statement that it “warms my heart” to see Leonor in the new role.

“Sam’s ability to inspire and lead with kindness, respect and collaboration reflects his genuine commitment to the well-being of our associates and patients,” Heinrich said in a statement.

Leonor said that he is “truly excited to continue the incredible work we've initiated, fostering a mission-driven culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

"My passion for our mission to embody God's love by promoting health, wholeness, and hope is unwavering,” he said in a statement. “I am dedicated to ensuring that it serves as a guiding light, enriching the everyday experiences of our patients, staff, and the communities we are honored to serve."