Appointment of President and CEO announced

HSHS today announced the appointment of Chris Klay to serve as President and CEO of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.  Klay currently serves as President and CEO of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL.  He will begin his new role on May 1, 2022.

“I am honored for the opportunity to join the dedicated colleagues, medical staff members, and volunteers of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in their successful work and look  forward to serving the metro east community,” said Klay. “Founded on our Franciscan traditions and Hospital Sisters’ core values of Care, Competence, Joy, and Respect, St. Elizabeth’s is a leader in delivering high-quality health care in the region and I am excited to support and advance this legacy.”    

Since joining HSHS in 2009, Chris was been responsible for various aspects of hospital operations in our western Wisconsin hospitals, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, wound care, sleep lab, and respiratory therapy.  At St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chris has improved colleague engagement outcomes, increased net patient revenue, expanded telemedicine services, increased market share and implemented growth strategies including a new outpatient surgery center, a general surgery clinic and a primary care clinic.  He also generated an increase of over $11 million from fiscal year 2020 to fiscal year 2021 due to effective provider recruitment, operational volumes and expenses management.  

“Chris has shown to be a proven leader in the HSHS, serving in both Illinois and Western Wisconsin Divisions, and we look forward to him bringing his leadership skills to St. Elizabeth’s,” HSHS Illinois Division Interim President and CEO Therese Pandl said. “His experience in patient-centered care and collaborative leadership practices demonstrates a true commitment to our HSHS Mission.” 

Klay received his Master of Healthcare Administration from Ohio University and his Master of Arts in Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica.  He completed a fellowship with the Advisory Board Company in Healthcare Executive Leadership in 2015, and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.  

Klay succeeds Patti Fischer, who served as President and CEO from May 2018 to November 2021, and Brandon Fish who currently serves as interim President and CEO.