Rockford Sun

SwedishAmerican Hospital issued the following announcement on Sept. 30.

Tom O’Connor, an experienced senior healthcare leader from the Minneapolis area, has been named the new President and CEO at SwedishAmerican. He will begin his new role on Monday, November 2.

O’Connor has extensive knowledge and insight into healthcare markets and has a proven track record of leading large-scale health systems to top recognition by U.S. News & World Report. He comes to Rockford from his role as a Principal within Clifton Larson Allen, LLP’s healthcare practice. Most of his career was spent at Allina Health, where he served in numerous senior leadership roles, including President at United and Abbott Northwestern Hospitals. Allina is a $4.3B regional healthcare system serving Minnesota with 13 hospitals, 1,300 employed physicians, and more than 28,000 associates.

O’Connor has also been engaged in community health improvement and has been active in civic projects in the Minneapolis area for nearly two decades.

“Tom is a perfect fit for SwedishAmerican and the community, and we are honored to welcome him as our new President and CEO,” SwedishAmerican Board Chairman Jeff Kaney said. “He brings an extensive amount of knowledge and experience to our health system, and we look forward to him joining the SwedishAmerican family.”

O’Connor received his bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and earned his MHA and MBA at the University of Minnesota.

O’Connor will succeed Jennifer Maher, who has served as interim CEO since October 2019 following her role as an Executive Consultant with UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin. Her last day at SwedishAmerican will be November 1.

“It is an honor and privilege to be joining the exceptional team at SwedishAmerican,” O’Connor said. “Swedes, in collaboration with UW Health, has a history of delivering outstanding healthcare to Rockford and the surrounding communities. I look forward to supporting the board, physicians, staff, and volunteers as we work to advance the mission of Swedes in the community.”

Original source can be found here.