Mr. Klay leads the Southern Illinois market for Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System, overseeing three rural acute care facilities and the 144-bed HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. He has been part of Hospital Sisters Health System since 2009 and began leading the Southern Illinois market in November 2023. With a clinical background as a physical therapist, he prioritizes balancing strategic growth with frontline perspective. He is currently spearheading a major expansion at St. Elizabeth’s, including a proposed ambulatory surgery center and medical office building to serve the growing Metro East population. Under his guidance, several hospitals in the market have earned accolades from Fortune/PINC AI and The Chartis Center for Rural Health, including recognition as top rural hospitals. He has fostered strong leadership structures and meaningful community partnerships, supporting rural communities with quality, compassionate care close to home.
