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.