Dr. Cornelius leads two critical access hospitals in rural Illinois, overseeing all clinical and operational functions at HSHS Holy Family Hospital and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital. With nearly two decades of service at Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System, she has advanced from bedside nurse to senior executive, most recently stepping in as interim CEO before being named CAO in June 2024. Her leadership has guided award-winning initiatives, including the reimagining of inpatient units and the implementation of substance use disorder support programs. These efforts earned state and national recognition from Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. Dr. Cornelius also partners with public health organizations like the Metro East and Bond County Recovery Councils to reduce stigma and improve overdose prevention. Under her guidance, both hospitals have achieved CMS 5-star ratings for patient experience and have consistently demonstrated excellence in physician and nurse communication.
