Sisters of Charity Health System president & CEO plans to retire

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Tags: Sisters of Charity Health System

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Terrence Kessler, president & CEO and general counsel of the Sisters of Charity Health System, has announced his plans to retire at the end of 2016. Health System Board Chair Robert Spangler M.D. has appointed a committee of the board to oversee the search process to identify Kessler’s successor.

“This is a carefully planned transition in leadership designed to assure continuity and continued strategic advancement of our hospitals, foundations and outreach ministries, as well as the corporate office of the Sisters of Charity Health System,” said Spangler. Kessler will continue to serve until a new president & CEO is named and will assist with the transition, which is expected to be complete by December 31.

“Terry has and continues to share many leadership and legal talents, deep understanding of the dynamics of health care, and firm commitment to the values of Catholic health care ministry,” said Sister Judith Ann. “I look forward to working with the search committee in identifying the next leader as we continue our work to heal individuals, families and communities in Northeast Ohio and South Carolina.”

“I have been honored to serve the mission of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine alongside our highly talented boards, leaders, physicians and employees of our hospitals, foundations, elder care facilities and outreach ministries,” said Kessler. “The mission of service of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, who came to Cleveland in 1851 and became the city’s first public health nurses, is truly remarkable and inspiring. I look forward to continue supporting the health system and its new leader.”

Prior to assuming his role as chief executive in June 2012, Kessler served as a member of the Sisters of Charity Health System Board of Directors for 14 years, including six years as chair, and as a member of the Public Juridic Person of Pontifical Right, which is the Catholic sponsorship structure adopted by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and the Sisters of Charity Health System. Throughout that time, Kessler was a shareholder at Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh in Canton, Ohio. He joined the law firm in 1975 after graduating from Yale University and The Ohio State University College of Law.