Ascension's president will take over as its transitional CEO when Anthony Tersigni retires on July 1.
Joseph Impicciche, who has been Ascension's chief operating officer and president since January, will take over as the system's interim president and CEO, according to a memo Tersigni sent to executives and staff members Tuesday morning obtained by Modern Healthcare. Before becoming COO, Impicciche had been Ascension's general counsel since 2004.
"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," Tersigni wrote.
Tersigni announced in March he would retire this year after leading the St. Louis-based Catholic health system for more than 15 years.
Ascension Chief Financial Officer Anthony Speranzo will step down from his role to become the president of Ascension's newly created healthcare investment fund, Ascension Capital, effective July 1. Ascension Capital includes oversight of Ascension Ventures and Ascension Investment Management. Speranzo has led Ascension's finance unit since 2002, including treasury functions, debt management, investments, and mergers and acquisitions.
Elizabeth Foshage will replace Speranzo as CFO. She has served in financial positions since joining Ascension when it formed in 1999, Tersigni wrote.
The additional following leadership changes will take place effective July 1:
- Karen Springer will become Ascension's executive vice president of performance optimization and nursing operations. Springer has led Ascension's healthcare operations since January 2018, and first joined the organization in 2011.
- Craig Cordola will replace Impicciche as Ascension's executive vice president and COO. Cordola joined Ascension in September 2017 as the head of Ascension Texas.
- Eduardo Conrado will become Ascension's executive vice president and chief strategy and innovations officer. Conrado became Ascension's chief digital officer in September 2018 and has been responsible for overseeing a campaign aimed at delivering digital options to the consumer.
- Nick Ragone will become Ascension's executive vice president and chief marketing and communications officer. Ragone joined Ascension in 2014 and spearheaded the system's efforts to rebrand itself nationally.
- Eric Engler will become Ascension's executive vice president and chief of staff. He joined Ascension in 2001.
- Sister Bernice Coreil, senior executive adviser to the president and CEO, will leave the organization effective Dec. 31. Coreil has been with Ascension since its founding.
The C-suite changeover will include a broader restructuring of the executive office, with the Ascension Leadership Team replacing the Office of the President structure. The leadership team will include a mix of longtime and next-generation leaders with varied background, experience and talents, Tersigni wrote.
Tersigni wrote that he'll continue to serve Ascension as board chairman of Ascension Capital, and will provide consulting help to Ascension's board. He'll also 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.
