Mr. Boatwright leads Hospital Sisters Health System, a healthcare ministry with 13 hospitals and a network of community-based health centers and clinics serving nearly 2.6 million people across Illinois and Wisconsin. Since becoming CEO of the $2.9 billion system in 2021, he has successfully tackled substantial operational and financial challenges while building a culture of transparency, trust and shared accountability. A servant leader known for his visibility and approachability, he frequently travels to hospitals and clinics throughout Central and Southern Illinois and Northeastern Wisconsin, speaking at town halls and rounding with caregivers at the bedside to maintain a direct connection to his colleagues and the communities he serves. Mr. Boatwright has been a vocal national advocate for rural hospitals and vulnerable populations, authoring op-eds in national publications to appeal to legislators to maintain federal Medicaid funding commitments and prevent coverage losses for those most in need. His commitment to colleague safety has led to a $1.5 million investment in a discreet personal alert technology system for staff, alongside a comprehensive de-escalation training program targeting all colleagues in medium- to high-risk areas. He is also overseeing approximately $476 million in investments across system hospitals in Wisconsin and Illinois to expand services, reimagine care delivery models and reinvest in local economies. Mr. Boatwright currently serves as chair of the Illinois Hospital Association, and has previously served as chair of both the Catholic Health Association board of trustees and the Wisconsin Hospital Association. He was honored as In Business magazine’s 2021 “Executive of the Year” for Madison, Wis.
