Major Leadership Changes Announced at Ascension

The St. Louis-based nonprofit health system is losing three longtime executives at the end of Q2 2019.

Ascension announced the upcoming departure of three longtime executives Tuesday afternoon, as well as the elimination of the CEO position for subsidiary Ascension Healthcare.

Patricia A. Maryland, Dr.PH, has decided to leave Ascension Healthcare after serving in various roles for 15 years, effective July 1, according to an announcement issued by Ascension President and CEO Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE.

Similarly, John D. Doyle, Ascension's executive vice president, and David B. Pryor, MD, Ascension's CCO, will retire on June 30, the end of the company's fiscal year.

“While we recognize and celebrate the work that has enabled our health ministry to come so far over the past 19 years, we see opportunities to continue to evolve and make changes to address some of the barriers our leaders have identified to our further success,” Tersigni said in a statement. 

Ascension's decision to restructure its leadership team comes as the company seeks to "create stronger connections and greater alignment" between its strategic vision and efforts to implement its Advanced Strategic Direction.

Related: Ascension's CEO Reflects on Company's Biggest Decision

The St. Louis-based nonprofit health system is eliminating the CEO position for Ascension Healthcare following Maryland's departure, but is also creating a new role for Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA, who has served as the company's general counsel since 2004.

Impicciche will serve as Ascension President and COO, and report directly to Tersigni. 

Chris McCoy, who served as deputy general counsel, will ascend to the role of general counsel.

Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that Maryland has served as CEO of Ascension Healthcare since 2004. She has held that position since 2017.