Barbara “Barb” Martin, CEO of St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill., has stepped down from her role.
Ms. Martin came out of retirement to lead the hospital through a challenging period, according to a July 25 statement from a hospital spokesperson shared with Becker’s.
Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare acquired St. Joseph and seven other Illinois hospitals from St. Louis-based Ascension on March 1.
Ms. Martin took the helm in March 2024, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Colleen Pawlik, MSN, has been named interim CEO and will continue serving as Prime’s regional vice president of nursing operations, according to the statement.
Ms. Pawlik brings decades of healthcare leadership experience and previously served as vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at the Joliet campus.
In May, Illinois Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Richard Durbin raised concerns about changes made at the hospitals since the acquisition, including the suspension of inpatient pediatric services at St. Joseph. Prime CEO Prem Reddy, MD, said the eight hospitals were losing nearly $200 million annually at the time of the acquisition, including $90 million in losses at St. Joseph.
The hospital’s inpatient pediatric care unit averaged fewer than one patient per day in 2024, and a transfer agreement is in place with Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, Dr. Reddy said in June.
“Saint Joseph Medical Center remains on a strong path forward,” the spokesperson said. “With a dedicated team, a clear mission, and a deep commitment to excellence, we are focused on advancing clinical quality, strengthening community partnerships, and building a bright and sustainable future for the patients and families we serve.”
