As central region CEO, Russo will serve as the operational leader of the region, which covers the greater Peoria area and surrounding communities, to ensure clinical and administrative services are organized to meet population needs and deliver improved health and performance across the OSF Ministry.

Russo most recently served as chief executive officer at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and as group vice president for the D.C. Region of Universal Health Services. She led the development of an integrated care delivery system through expansion of ambulatory assets and building a new hospital in partnership with the Government of the District of Columbia through negotiating the largest public-private partnership to date.

Additionally, Russo collaborated on efforts with George Washington University to progress the modernization of funds flow in support of the University’s desire to become a research-intensive university and enhance faculty support. Research studies at George Washington Hospital increased by 240% along with the expansion of clinical trials.

“OSF HealthCare is excited to welcome Kim back to central Illinois where she began her professional career,” said Mike Cruz, M.D., Chief Operating Officer for OSF HealthCare. “We look forward to her expertise as she guides and strategically impacts Peoria and surrounding communities we serve.” 

“While it is exciting to return to Illinois, I am thrilled to join OSF HealthCare and am grateful to the entire organization for this incredible opportunity to lead and contribute to the Mission. I am confident that given the forward-looking vision, we can build upon the foundation to achieve even greater success in serving our Mission Partners and our communities,” shared Russo.

Russo began her education at Illinois State University in Normal with a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University in Chicago. Russo earned an Executive MBA from the University of Nebraska and has completed coursework for a doctorate from the University of Maryland.

Russo joins OSF HealthCare on April 28.

OSF HealthCare is proud to have two of its leaders named:

Michelle Conger, President of OSF HealthCare: Throughout her 31-year tenure with OSF, Conger has been dedicated to driving transformative innovation, strategic excellence and patient-focused care. Prior to being named president she served as chief strategy officer and CEO of OSF OnCall Digital Health, positioning her as a pioneer in digital health innovation. In collaboration with executive leadership, Conger has been instrumental in shaping the OSF long-term strategy, developing leading-edge digital strategies and virtual care models to transform healthcare delivery. She oversaw the launch of a digital hospital at home program in 2022, the first in the state to do so, establishing continuous access to care through OSF OnCall Urgent Care and an AI chatbot, and providing remote monitoring for chronic conditions. Conger became president on Jan. 1 and will become CEO in 2026.

Sister Judith Ann Duvall, former Chairperson of the Boards for OSF HealthCare and former Major Superior of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, serving in this role for 18 years. A member of the congregation since 1965, Sister Judith Ann continues to serve on the governing board. Under her leadership, OSF HealthCare expanded from eight hospitals to 17, established a nationally recognized innovation and simulation center, and launched the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute to advance cancer treatment and research. Her influence extends beyond governance, as she has personally guided thousands of leaders through the ministry development program since 1989 and continues to connect with all 26,000 mission partners annually to reinforce the organization’s core values. A passionate advocate for philanthropy, she has help raise tens of millions of dollars.

See the entire recognition of Sister Judith Ann and Michelle Conger, and the complete list of those recognized, at Great leaders in healthcare | 2025

In her new role, Shields will work with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive the organization's growth, innovation and overall success. She will also manage the health system’s brand and oversee Business Development, Marketing & Communications and Planning.

Shields has been with OSF since 2010 when she was hired as a physician recruiter. She has served in several leadership positions, most recently as the vice president of Business Development. Some of her recent accomplishments include successfully helping to lead four new hospital acquisitions, increasing the OSF footprint to 17 hospitals, and initiating and shepherding new joint venture opportunities on behalf of OSF HealthCare, including an inpatient behavioral health hospital and an ambulatory surgery center.

Shields earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration and marketing from the University of Illinois in Champaign.

She begins her new position on February 2.