SSM Health in Southern Illinois President Strengthens Leadership Through Executive Formation Program

Damon Harbison Completes Two-Year Executive Leadership Formation (ELF) Program

Damon Harbison holding award.
September 09, 2026 09:30 AM -

Mount Vernon, Illinois - Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health in Southern Illinois, recently graduated from SSM Health's Executive Leadership Formation (ELF) Program, completing a transformative two-year journey focused on servant leadership, mission integration, and the organization's Catholic heritage.

The ELF Program is designed to help leaders deepen their understanding of SSM Health's Mission, Values, and healing ministry while fostering leadership rooted in compassion, dignity, courage, and service. Through reflection, collaboration, and learning experiences with leaders from across the ministry, participants gain insights that help guide decision-making and strengthen their commitment to serving patients, caregivers, and communities.

"I am grateful for this experience and honored to graduate alongside such an inspiring group of leaders," Harbison said. "I look forward to applying these lessons as we continue serving our patients, caregivers, and communities across Southern Illinois. Thank you to everyone who helped make this experience so meaningful."

The Executive Leadership Formation Program reflects SSM Health's commitment to developing mission-centered leaders who embody the values of the organization and help ensure exceptional care is delivered with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Harbison's graduation marks an important milestone in his leadership journey and reinforces SSM Health's ongoing commitment to advancing its mission while meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the communities it serves.


About SSM Health

Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.

With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Damon Harbison receiving award.

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