William E. Quirk, III, a respected healthcare leader who dedicated his 40-year career to advancing the field, died on Sept. 3, 2025.
Mr. Quirk spent 20 years at WTW, serving as the U.S. healthcare practice leader. After joining the firm — then known as Towers Perrin — he became the fastest associate in company history to advance to partner. During this time, he developed a deep passion for the healthcare industry, to which he ultimately dedicated his career.
“Bill Quirk was a man of integrity, quiet strength and unwavering dedication to the people and causes he cared about,” said Lloyd Dean, CEO emeritus of CommonSpirit Health. “He was a top healthcare executive that I had the pleasure of working with on numerous governance- and compensation-related matters. His grasp and vast knowledge of organizational matters along with his business acumen was always an asset.”
He also spent time as president of SullivanCotter, growing the firm from $3 million to $25 million, and as the U.S. healthcare vertical leader at Hays Group before becoming Aon’s U.S. healthcare practice leader in 2014. He finished his career as the worldwide healthcare practice leader for Aon.
“Bill’s presence had a steadying influence; he was a good listener, acted with fairness and engaged generously of his time and wisdom. He led with thoughtfulness, purpose and always earned the respect and admiration of those he came into contact with,” said Mr. Dean. “Bill said he ‘never worked a day in his life’ because he knew his family, friends and acquaintances were all gifts for him to enjoy. He was an honorable and well-rounded individual who really understood the importance and contributions of people not only to an organization, but to what makes the world go around.”
Mr. Quirk was engaged with more than 500 board interventions during his career, and his goal was to work with clients as a trusted advisor.
“Bill Quirk was an incredibly warm and effective leader,” said Scott Becker, founder and chief content officer, Becker’s Healthcare and partner at McGuireWoods. “He was much loved by everyone and a wonderful person.
Mr. Quirk’s imprint on the healthcare industry is clear among the leaders and companies he worked with closely.
“I will miss him dearly, but his legacy lives on,” said Mr. Dean.
