The health system had been operating with both CEOs from the pre-merger entities, but the board decided to move to a leadership team with a single top executive instead.
Advocate Aurora Health, which formed last year through a merger of two large Midwestern nonprofit health systems, has done away with the dual CEO model it had in place since the merger and has instead selected a single executive for the road ahead.
Jim Skogsbergh will serve as Advocate Aurora's sole CEO moving forward, effectively immediately, the health system announced Wednesday afternoon. Skogsbergh had been co-president and co-CEO with Nick Turkal, MD, since Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care merged in April 2018.
The nonprofit health system's board decided, with the help of an independent advisor, to move to the single CEO model as the best strategic move for the organization's future, board chair Joanne Disch, PhD, RN, FAAN, said in a statement.
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"We have been fortunate to come together as Advocate Aurora Health under the leadership and expertise of two tremendous individuals, and we express our sincerest gratitude to both Nick and Jim for their outstanding contributions," Disch said.
"The Board is confident Jim is uniquely positioned to guide our system into the future by transforming our core business and redefining how we help people live well," Disch added. "He has earned national acclaim for his visionary leadership and laser focus on safety, value-based care and consumer-first strategies that will continue to propel our organization forward."
Skogsbergh had been president and CEO of the pre-merger Advocate Health Care, based in Downers Grove, Illinois.
"I am honored to continue to lead Advocate Aurora Health and our talented physicians, nurses and team members into the future as we transform care and deliver on our purpose of helping people live well," Skogsbergh said in the statement. "I'm grateful to Nick for his partnership and commitment in co-creating an industry leader that is well-positioned to redefine health care as we know it."
Turkal had been president and CEO of pre-merger Aurora Health Care, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He will support the leadership transition "as he departs to pursue other interests," according to the organization's announcement.
"It has truly been a privilege to work alongside Jim and lead this remarkable organization and its talented and passionate team members," Turkal said in the statement. "We have formed an incredible organization dedicated to serving our patients and community, and I have full confidence that Advocate Aurora Health is well-positioned for the future under Jim's leadership."
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Steven Porter is an associate content manager and Strategy editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
Photo credit: Jim Skogsbergh (Provided/Advocate Aurora Health)
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jim Skogsbergh and Nick Turkal, MD, had been co-presidents and co-CEOs since last year's merger.
The board decided moving to a single-CEO model would be the best strategic choice.