Ms. Friesen leads the OSF HealthCare Eastern Region including six hospitals in six markets spanning Illinois and Michigan, with a net revenue of $1.5 billion. Under her leadership, the Eastern Region has developed strategic partnerships to provide options and access to patients seeking imaging, orthopedic, cardiac and cancer care, as well as women’s healthcare. In addition, she has overseen the charge to address OB/GYN deserts in the region to ensure women have access and options for prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Before her current role, she was CEO of the Northern Region for OSF, representing Rockford, Ill., and several other communities. In the Northern Region, Carol successfully enhanced operating performance, turning around a -3% operating margin to a 5% operating margin, all accomplished while effectively navigating through the challenges posed by the pandemic. She was also instrumental in growing the referral network to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. A greater than 20% increase in hospital transfers into the center was achieved with the most growth in trauma, burn, surgery, and cardiovascular services.
