Bernie Sherry has accepted the role of Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Wisconsin Ministry Market Executive, effective April 4, 2016. Sherry currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Saint Thomas Health in the Ascension Nashville Ministry Market.
Throughout his more than 15 years with Saint Thomas Health, Sherry has demonstrated a commitment to the Ascension Mission and Strategic Direction promise to deliver Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That Is Safe, and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind, for Life.
The health systems of Ascension Wisconsin have served residents of the Milwaukee area and across the state of Wisconsin for more than 165 years: Columbia St. Mary's in Milwaukee was founded in 1848; Ministry Health Care has served communities across Wisconsin for more than 125 years; and Wheaton Franciscan, the newest member of Ascension Wisconsin, has been providing exceptional care for more than 140 years.
"Ascension has been a longstanding contributor to the health and economic activity of Wisconsin through these mission-focused health systems, which combined employ more than 24,000 dedicated associates including more than 1,000 medical group physicians," Sherry said. "As a strong community partner in regions across the state, Ascension Wisconsin is focused on meeting the healthcare needs of individuals and communities, providing compassionate, personalized care to all persons, especially those living in poverty and who are most vulnerable. I'm looking forward to leading the health systems of Ascension Wisconsin as we work even more closely together to improve the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents."
"Now that the Southeast Wisconsin operations of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare have joined Ascension Wisconsin, it is one of the largest Ministry Markets of Ascension," said Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Health. "The other senior leaders of Ascension and I are excited to have Sherry leading Ascension Wisconsin as it begins to integrate its operations and identity across the state."
Karen Springer, Senior Vice President, Ascension Health/Tennessee Ministry Market Executive, said Ascension Wisconsin is gaining a tremendous leader and she is delighted for Sherry as he takes on this important position in Wisconsin.
Previously Sherry served as Executive Vice President System Integration, Saint Thomas Health, and President and CEO of Saint Thomas Midtown and West hospitals. Earlier, as President and CEO of Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital beginning in 2003, he focused on building a culture of high reliability, resulting in strong operational results. In 2013 he led operational and strategic integration of the West and Midtown hospitals as Saint Thomas Health created a unified identity across the region. Sherry joined Saint Thomas Health in 2000, first serving as Vice President of Managed Care.
Prior to joining Saint Thomas, Sherry held increasingly responsible leadership roles at Greenville Health System, a 1,100-bed, multi-hospital system in South Carolina. He earned his bachelor's degree from Gannon University, Erie, Pennsylvania, and his master's degree in health administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Sherry has been active in the Nashville community for many years and serves on the several local boards. He was honored in June 2010 as a Father of the Year by the American Diabetes Association/Father's Day Council and as a Health Care Hero by the Nashville Business Journal in August 2011.
Sherry and his wife will be moving to Wisconsin, and he is looking forward to building new relationships and connections across the state.
Sherry will replace Vince Caponi, who has served as interim Wisconsin Ministry Market Executive since January 1 and was instrumental in finalizing plans for the Southeast Wisconsin operations of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare to join Ascension Wisconsin on March 1.
