SSM Health names new president, CEO

Laura Kaiser, new SSM Health president and CEO
Laura Kaiser, new SSM Health president and CEO

On May 1, Laura Kaiser will assume the role of president and chief executive officer of SSM Health hospitals across the country.

"It is an honor and a privilege to join the wonderful SSM Health caregiver team and to lead this extraordinary faith-based healthcare system with an international reputation for quality," Kaiser said in a press release.

With more than 30 years of experience as a healthcare executive at institutions like Intermountain Healthcare, Ascension and Sacred Heart Health System, Kaiser will be responsible for leading all aspects of one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the nation.

In the past, she served five years as an executive vice president/chief operating officer of Intermountain Healthcare, 15 years at Ascension, holding various leadership roles including ministry market leader of the Gulf Coast Florida region and president of the Sacred Heart Health System.

Upon her arrival, Kaiser will have an instrumental role in guiding SSM Health's transition to a value-based model of care, further enhancing the patient and member experience, and lowering the overall cost of healthcare, as the hospital strives to improve the health of the community.

"We believe she is the right leader to help lead our organization into the future, while ensuring the strength of our mission and providing our patients and customers with the exceptional care and service they have come to expect from SSM Health," said David Cosby, SSM Health Board of Directors chairman. "Ms. Kaiser is a gifted and visionary leader with a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results."

Kaiser, a Missouri native, earned a bachelor of science in health services management from the University of Missouri as well as a master of business administration and master in healthcare administration from Saint Louis University. She is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Kaiser will replace current president William Thompson, who will retire after 37 years of service with SSM.