In a significant announcement on Tuesday, OSF HealthCare revealed that its chief executive officer, Bob Sehring, will be retiring in April 2026. This marks a crucial moment in the organization's history as it prepares for a new leadership era. Under Sehring's leadership, OSF HealthCare has achieved remarkable feats, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape.

Honoring Bob Sehring's Contributions

OSF HealthCare Ministries chairperson Sister Agnes Joseph Williams expressed deep gratitude for Sehring's extraordinary contributions. "Under his leadership, our Ministry has reached remarkable milestones. Through strategic growth via mergers and acquisitions, we now serve 17 communities with hospitals. Last year, we provided care to over 1 million patients, demonstrating unwavering strength during the pandemic and its aftermath. Our oncology services have advanced significantly, with the opening of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria earlier this year. And his unwavering commitment to rural healthcare has been truly inspiring," she said.Sehring joined OSF in 2002 as vice president for business support services for OSF HealthPlans, Inc. and was promoted to chief executive officer in 2004. His leadership journey continued with appointments as chief Ministry Services officer in 2013 and chief executive officer of the Central Region in 2015. Finally, he became the CEO in 2017. "Serving the sacred Ministry of OSF HealthCare has been a profound blessing in my life. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have always served as a guiding light, ensuring we strive to serve every person with the utmost care and love. I have full confidence that Michelle will lead the Ministry with a focus on providing compassionate and advanced care to our communities in the years to come," Sehring said.

Michelle Conger's Ascent to Leadership

Michelle Conger will assume the role of OSF HealthCare president in January 2025 and succeed Sehring as CEO upon his retirement. Her impact on the Ministry has been extensive, leading strategic and innovative approaches to keep OSF at the forefront of healthcare delivery. "Her leadership and dedication to operational excellence will ensure the continued success of our Ministry," Williams added.Conger began her career at OSF in 1993 in a clinical capacity and as a Six Sigma Black Belt at Peoria's OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center. Since 2010, she has been the chief strategy officer, and since 2018, she has served as the chief executive officer of OSF OnCall Digital Health. "I am truly honored for the trust the Sisters and Bob are placing in me as the next CEO. OSF HealthCare has thrived under Bob's leadership, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to advance healthcare for the communities we serve. As healthcare continues to evolve, we will prioritize ensuring OSF is a leader in meeting the expectations of our patients and advancing clinical excellence," Conger said.See photos:Inside OSF’s new Cancer Institute in Peoria