ProHealth Care CEO Susan Edwards announces retirement

Susan Edwards, chief executive officer of ProHealth Care since 2010, has announced her plans to retire.

"Serving this organization and this community has been a great honor and privilege" Edwards said. "The people of ProHealth Care are proud of the excellent care and service we provide, and I know that tradition will continue long into the future."

The ProHealth Care Board of Directors will conduct a national search for a new CEO.

"Susan Edwards’ commitment to keeping ProHealth Care strong, independent and deeply rooted in the community will leave a lasting legacy," said Jim Gannon, chairman of the board. “Susan has been instrumental in taking ProHealth Care to new levels of excellence, and it is with enormous gratitude that we wish her all the best in retirement."

Under Edwards' leadership, ProHealth Care has strengthened the quality and breadth of clinical services, enhanced access to care and invested in the latest medical technology to better serve the people of Waukesha County and surrounding communities.

ProHealth Care’s progress during Edwards’ tenure includes:

• The development of a clinically integrated network that now spans more than 1,000 physicians and other providers, all using a common medical record system to ensure close coordination of patient care.
• The formation of clinical partnerships to enhance specialty care, including in oncology, neurosurgery and orthopedics.
• Improved access to care through new clinic sites and new services, including virtual health.
• Construction of a hospital to serve the people of Mukwonago and nearby areas.
• Construction of a state-of-the-art cancer center in Pewaukee.
• Major investments in the organization’s tertiary center, ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, including the construction of ProHealth Heart & Vascular Center, a new neonatal intensive care unit and a current project to redesign and renovate the hospital’s surgical areas.
• Major investments in ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, including comprehensive reconstruction of the operating rooms and renovation of the emergency department.

"Susan’s emphasis on always doing the right things for our patients has long propelled our growth and success," said Art Coffey, MD, ProHealth’s chief medical officer. "She has championed clinical excellence and innovation, and she also has built an incredible team."

A native of North Carolina and a graduate of Duke University, Edwards started her health care career in Ohio and held executive leadership roles with the Ascension and Banner Health organizations before joining ProHealth Care in September 2010.

Edwards plans to begin her retirement this month.

The ProHealth board has asked Pete Bacon, ProHealth’s chief administrative officer, to serve as interim CEO after Edwards’ departure.