Ascension announces updates to several key leadership positions

Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE

Nonprofit Catholic health system Ascension, one of the biggest in the country, has announced several key changes to its leadership. The changes will be effective on July 1.

IMPACT

The changes are as follows:

• Anthony R. Tersigni, will transition his responsibilities as Ascension CEO and will continue to serve Ascension as chair of the Board of Ascension's newly created healthcare investment fund, Ascension Capital, LLC. He will also provide consultative services to the Ascension Board on an ongoing basis and continue his work with the Global Solidarity Fund. "I am delighted that I will continue to play a role in the transformation of this health ministry," he said in a statement.
• Joseph R. Impicciche, will assume the responsibility of transitional president and CEO of Ascension. "Joe is a gifted and talented servant leader, and the Board and I believe his wisdom, experience and steadfast commitment to our Mission are needed at this time to sustain and grow our health ministry," said Tersigni. Impicciche has served as Ascension President and chief operating officer since January of this year, after having served as executive vice president and general counsel since 2004.
• Anthony J. Speranzo will transition from his role as executive vice president and chief financial officer and will take on a new role as president and CEO of Ascension Capital, LLC. "Tony is a trusted advisor whose deep dedication to our health ministry and tremendous skills in financial stewardship have greatly contributed to Ascension's success in advancing our Mission since 2002," Tersigni said.
• Sister Bernice Coreil, senior executive advisor to the president and CEO, will transition from her role effective December 31, and begin a new chapter in her life. "She has been a loving mentor, guide and friend to me and so many of our colleagues over her illustrious career," Tersigni said.
• In addition, Ascension announced the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Foshage as its new Chief Financial Officer. She was also named Executive Vice President. Foshage joined Ascension when it was formed in 1999.

THE TREND

Ultimately, a new Ascension leadership team will be created. Tersigni said the team will be a mix of longtime and next-generation leaders, with the goal of creating an "energized and dynamic" executive team.

Ascension underwent a rebranding initiative near the end of last year. The rebranding was systemwide and included all 2,700 sites of care in the $24 billion system. It was a three-year undertaking that is all but done now, said Nick Ragone, chief marketing and communications officer for Ascension, in December.

Ragone started with the system five years ago, when it was just beginning that journey; Ascension leadership had decided the system would evolve from a holding company -- basically a system of separate autonomous health systems -- into more of an operating company. To accomplish that, the system needed just one brand to be more efficient.

The undertaking became known as the "one Ascension journey."

THEIR TAKE

"The Ascension Board of Directors and I have been engaged in a thoughtful and prayerful succession planning process," said Tersigni. "Our goal was to ensure we were ready to pass on the leadership of our health ministry to the next generation of leaders. Over the past several years, the Board and I have been working to cultivate a leadership team that is fully prepared to take our health ministry boldly into the future. Our focus on leadership development and formation has created a depth of capable, creative and committed virtuous servant leaders with a firm foundation in our Catholic identity and principles, and I have great confidence in the future of this health ministry as we continue to transform ourselves."

Twitter: @JELagasse

Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com