Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Saint Francis Healthcare System President and CEO Steven C. Bjelich is retiring, effective Sept. 1, 2017.
Here are six things to know:
1. Mr. Bjelich has served at the helm of the health system since 1999.
2. During his tenure, the health system reinstated obstetrics after 36 years and also developed the region's only Level III neonatal intensive care unit.
3. Mr. Bjelich was also instrumental in developing Saint Francis Medical Partners, a medical group practice with more than 200 physicians, and negotiating clinical affiliations with prestigious institutions, such as the Cleveland Clinic.
4. He received Missouri Hospital Association's Visionary Leadership Award in 2010.
5. Maryann Reese, the health system's current executive vice president and COO, will take over as president and CEO.
6. Previously, Ms. Reese was CEO of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, Ill.