Three of the CEOs of the 10 largest health systems in the U.S. took the helm within the past year, while four have longer-than-average tenures.
The average healthcare CEO tenures is 6.4 years, according to a recent report from executive search firm Crist Kolder Associates.
Here are the tenures of the CEOs at the 10 largest health systems across the country. Health system size was determined by the number of hospitals, based on organizational data as of February.
HCA Healthcare (Nashville, Tenn.)
Samuel Hazen was named CEO in January 2019. Before that, he served as president and COO since 2016.
CommonSpirit Health (Chicago)
Wright Lassiter III has served as president and CEO since August 2022.
Lifepoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.)
David Dill was appointed CEO in 2018. He joined the system as executive vice president and CFO in 2007, became COO in 2009 and added president to his title in 2011.
Ascension (St. Louis)
Eduard Conrado has served as CEO since Jan. 1. He became president in 2023.
ScionHealth (Louisville, Ky.)
Doug Shirley was named CEO in June. He had served as CFO since April 2025.
Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.)
Mike Slubowski became president and CEO in July 2019. Before that, he was president and COO beginning in May 2017.
Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.)
Eugene Woods has been CEO of Advocate Health since it was formed in December 2022 through the merger of Advocate Aurora Health, dually headquartered in Milwaukee and Downers Grove, Ill., and Charlotte-based Atrium Health. Before that, he served as president and CEO of Atrium Health beginning in April 2016.
Christus Health (Irving, Texas)
Ernie Sadau was named president and CEO in March 2011. He previously served as senior vice president and COO and as chief diversity and inclusion officer.
Community Health Systems (Franklin, Tenn.)
Kevin Hammons was appointed CEO in December after serving in the role on an interim basis since October. He had served as the system’s CFO since January 2020.
Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
Bill Gassen became CEO in November 2020. Before that, he was chief administrative officer, corporate counsel and chief human resources officer.
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