Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation names chief operating officer
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SAUGET — Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation has announced that Benjamin Ernst, FACHE, FHFMA has joined its leadership team as chief operating officer.
Ernst (left) will direct all administrative functions, including personnel, program administration, provider relations, patient advocacy and facility planning, at SIHF as well as at its 29 Federally Qualified Health Centers across Southern Illinois.
Ernst previously served as chief executive officer for Northwest Health Services, an 18-clinic FQHC headquartered in St. Joseph, Mo. He also served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, both in health-care command and combat service support roles in Iraq and Kuwait.
He holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Baylor University, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Missouri.
“Ben’s extensive experience and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in advancing SIHF operations and driving forward our mission of leading individuals and communities to their healthiest lifestyle,” said Larry McCulley, president and CEO of SIHF. “His proven success in the field will help us broaden our reach to serve more patients through collaborative partnerships, facility expansions and program development.”
