St. Louis-based Ascension Healthcare CEO Robert J. Henkel is retiring, effective June 30, 2017, ending a five-year stint as leader. He will also retire from his role as executive vice president of parent organization Ascension.
Patricia A. Maryland, current president of healthcare operations and COO of Ascension Healthcare, will take on Mr. Henkel's roles once he leaves.
Mr. Henkel has been a part of Ascension Health since its creation. In 1992, he joined DePaul Health Center in St. Louis, a member of the Daughters of Charity National Health System. In 1998, he took on a leadership role with Daughters of Charity, which joined with the Sisters of St. Joseph Health System to form Ascension Health in 1999.
At Ascension Healthcare, Mr. Henkel initially served as president of the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic States Operating Group, eventually moving up to the role of president of healthcare operations and COO.
"Striving to close gaps in access, in safety, in compassion and in personalized care has been a hallmark of Henkel's work throughout his career in Ascension," said Anthony R. Tersigni, president and CEO of Ascension, in a statement. "Because of him, we are a stronger, more compassionate and more faithful community of caregivers."
Ascension Healthcare, a faith-based organization, includes 141 hospitals and 2,500 sites of care.