Mt. Vernon, IL - After 44 years of outstanding leadership and service, Michael Baumgartner, SSM Health Illinois Region President, is announcing his retirement effective July 2, 2023. Mike has had a successful career leading numerous organizations as President and CEO. SSM Health Illinois is thankful for all of Mike’s contributions while in Southern Illinois.
“I have enjoyed living in Mt. Vernon these past two years while serving as Regional President of SSM Health Southern Illinois and more recently the added role of President of Good Samaritan Hospital," states Michael Baumgartner. “The entire region, the communities of Centralia and Mt. Vernon, my church - St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception, my favorite restaurants, Balloon Fest, Cedarhurst, the golf courses, and all the amazing employees will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's not good-bye, but until next time we meet.”
After Baumgartner’s retirement, Jeremy Fotheringham will serve as Region President for both SSM Health Illinois and SSM Health St. Louis. In addition, Damon Harbison, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital President for the past 5 years, will expand his leadership responsibilities to serve as President of both St. Mary’s Hospital - Centralia and Good Samaritan Hospital - Mt. Vernon as well as continue to lead the Rural Health Network in Illinois. Since joining SSM Health in 2010 Harbison has advanced in several leadership growth opportunities within the organization and has led the Rural Health Network for the past three years. He is involved in numerous community and philanthropic boards and was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).
“The talent and dedication in our health ministries in Southern Illinois continue to impress me. The level of our future success is limitless with the culture, resources, and values of our teams, and I am confident that we will fulfill our mission to provide high quality healthcare to the region.” says Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health Good Samaritan and St. Mary’s Hospital.
SSM Health continues to create additional connectivity and positive synergies across Southern Illinois and St. Louis regions while strengthening its ability to serve employees, patients, and communities.
About SSM Health in Illinois
SSM Health Illinois is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across southern Illinois through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s 1,000 team members and more than 100 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.
With care delivery sites in Benton, Centralia, Mt. Vernon, Nashville, and Salem, SSM Health Illinois includes 2 hospitals, more than 43 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, comprehensive home care and hospice services, and an intensive outpatient adult behavioral health program. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit our website or find us on Facebook.
