Mt. Vernon, IL – SSM Health in Southern Illinois is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished community leaders to the boards of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and the SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. These individuals bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to advancing healthcare and community well-being in Southern Illinois.
Craig Besant – SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation
Craig Besant brings more than two decades of executive leadership across media, digital advertising, and hospitality. A Centralia native and current Mt. Vernon resident, Craig is passionate about continuing his father, Verle Besant’s, legacy of service to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and the Centralia community. His strategic insight and dedication to innovation and excellence will be invaluable to the foundation’s mission.
Tony Wielt – SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Tony Wielt, a longtime State Farm Insurance agent, is a pillar of the Mt. Vernon community. With a strong background in financial services and a heart for mentorship and philanthropy, Tony actively supports local education, the arts, and healthcare initiatives. His belief in the transformative power of accessible medical care drives his enthusiasm for serving on the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation board.
Luke Johnson – SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Luke Johnson, CEO and General Manager of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, joins the board with over 26 years of experience in the electric cooperative industry. A devoted husband and father of six, Luke is deeply rooted in Jefferson County through his church and various board memberships. His personal connection to Good Samaritan Hospital—where three of his children were born—fuels his commitment to ensuring accessible, high-quality healthcare for local families.
“It’s an honor to welcome Craig, Tony, and Luke to our respective Foundation Boards. Each of them brings not only professional excellence, but also a deep personal commitment to the health and well-being of our local communities,” said Kay Zibby-Damron, Foundation Director at SSM Health in Southern Illinois. “Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build relationships and inspire philanthropy to grow our mission of compassionate care across Southern Illinois.”
These new board members embody the spirit of service and community that defines SSM Health’s mission. We are honored to welcome them and look forward to the impact they will make in advancing healthcare excellence across the region.
For more information about the SSM Health Foundations, visit givetossmhealth.org.
About SSM Health 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 ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook.
