After more than four and a half years leading Via Christi Health in Kansas, Jeff Korsmo, Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Kansas Ministry Market Executive, has decided to take a leadership position with Essentia Health in Minnesota. His last day with Via Christi and Ascension will be May 13.
Before joining Via Christi as President and CEO in September 2011, Jeff held various leadership positions with Mayo Clinic for 28 years. He grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, where Mayo is based; before joining Via Christi, Mayo was his first and only employer. He is looking forward to returning to Minnesota and being nearer to family and friends.
When Jeff joined Via Christi it had been an affiliate of Ascension Health for four years. In 2013 he played a key role in the full integration into Ascension of Via Christi, along with the other members of the former Marian Health System: Ministry Health Care in Wisconsin and St. John Health System in Oklahoma.
Under his direction Via Christi has continued to evolve as the leading healthcare provider in Kansas. Jeff has led efforts to expand Medicaid for Kansas residents, and with his guidance Via Christi developed a pioneering program to engage healthcare providers in the fight to end human trafficking. Most recently he was instrumental in creating a joint venture with Mercy to provide primary care in Pittsburg, Kansas.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Jeff for the past several years," said Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Health. "His commitment and dedication to providing compassionate, personalized care to individuals across Kansas, especially people living in poverty and those most vulnerable, has contributed to the continued success of our healthcare ministry in Kansas."
While Ascension conducts a national search for Jeff's replacement, Todd Conklin, Via Christi Chief Operating Officer, will serve as interim Health System President and CEO of Via Christi Health. Todd, who is not a candidate for the position of Kansas Ministry Market Executive, is an experienced healthcare leader who joined Via Christi in October 2015. He has served in both operational and financial executive leadership roles for several faith-based health systems, including Catholic Health Initiatives and SCL Health, the system created by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. He also previously served as an administrative leader in a 350-physician group practice affiliated with Loyola University Health System in the Chicago area.
"Please join me in thanking Jeff for his leadership and commitment to our Mission and wishing him all the best in the next phase of his career, and in thanking Todd for stepping in as interim leader for Via Christi Health," Pat said.