Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., chairperson of OSF Healthcare Ministries, has announced that Bob Sehring, chief executive officer, has shared his intention to retire in April of 2026. To facilitate a smooth transition, Michelle Conger will assume the role of president of OSF HealthCare on January 1, 2025, and will then succeed Sehring as chief executive officer when he retires.

“It is with deep gratitude that we honor Bob’s extraordinary contributions to OSF HealthCare. Under his leadership, our Ministry has achieved remarkable milestones, including strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions serving 17 communities with hospitals, providing care for more than 1 million patients this past year, demonstrating strong leadership through the pandemic and the post impacts on our health system, advancements in oncology services including the opening of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria earlier this year, and an unwavering commitment to rural health care,” said Sister Agnes Joseph.

“Michelle’s impact on our Ministry has been wide-reaching including leading strategic and innovative approaches to keeping OSF at the forefront of the changes in providing health care for our communities. Her leadership and dedication to operational excellence will ensure the continued success of our Ministry.”

Sehring joined OSF in 2002 as vice president for Business Support Services for OSF HealthPlans, Inc.  He was promoted to chief executive officer of that organization in 2004. In 2013, Bob was appointed chief Ministry Services officer before being named chief executive officer of the Central Region for OSF HealthCare in 2015. He became CEO of the Ministry in 2017.

“Serving the sacred Ministry of OSF HealthCare has been a deep blessing in my life. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have long served as a touchstone for me, and all Mission Partners (employees), that ensures we strive to serve every person with the greatest care and love,” said Sehring. “Looking to the future, I have the utmost confidence that Michelle will lead the Ministry with a focus on doing what is best for our patients by providing compassionate and advanced care to our communities for years to come.”

Conger began her career at OSF in 1993 in a clinical capacity and as a 6 Sigma Black Belt at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She has been the chief strategy officer since 2010 and chief executive officer of OSF OnCall Digital Health since 2018. Conger has led the digital strategy for OSF to produce new and innovative virtual care models to drive transformation and achieve excellence which is recognized throughout the health care industry.

“I am truly honored for the trust the Sisters and Bob are placing in me as the next CEO for our Ministry,” Conger shared. “OSF HealthCare has flourished under Bob’s leadership, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to advance health care for the communities we serve. Health care continues to evolve, and we will prioritize ensuring OSF is a leader in meeting the expectations of our patients and advances in clinical excellence.”

Bob Sehring clips

Michelle Conger clips

OSF Healthcare Ministries Established

OSF HealthCare is pleased to announce the official establishment of OSF Healthcare Ministries as a Diocesan Public Juridic Person (Diocesan PJP), in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.  OSF Healthcare Ministries will now serve as the sole corporate member and canonical sponsor of OSF Healthcare.  This marks an important milestone for the organization, ensuring a strong foundation for the continued delivery of exceptional, faith-based care.

The Holy See has approved this transition and Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka has issued a decree officially designating OSF Healthcare Ministries a Diocesan PJP. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, who have been integral to the health care Ministry for over 147 years, will continue to play a vital role in this new structure.

The OSF Healthcare Ministries Board will include five Sisters: Sister Agnes Joseph Williams, O.S.F., Major Superior; Sister Judith Ann Duvall, O.S.F.; Sister Theresa Ann Brazeau, O.S.F.; Sister Rose Therese Mann, O.S.F.; and Sister Teresa Paul Selamat, O.S.F. Their leadership ensures that OSF HealthCare remains committed to its Mission to serve with the greatest care and love.

"This transition reflects our ongoing dedication to exceptional health care while honoring Catholic values," said Bishop Tylka. "OSF Healthcare Ministries will enable us to maintain the care that OSF Healthcare provides to the 26 counties within the Diocese of Peoria and beyond."

Sister Agnes Joseph, O.S.F. stated, "Transitioning OSF Healthcare System to OSF Healthcare Ministries is a profound affirmation of our commitment to our Mission, and we look forward to continuing our legacy of care rooted in faith."

The establishment of OSF Healthcare Ministries is a strategic decision, as both the Sisters’ Motherhouse and OSF Ministry Headquarters are located in the Peoria area. This new model reinforces the longstanding relationship between the Sisters and the Bishops of the Peoria Diocese, who have supported and collaborated with the Sisters since the inception of the Ministry in 1877.

While OSF HealthCare operates across multiple dioceses in Illinois and Michigan, the establishment of the Diocesan PJP within the Diocese of Peoria underscores the commitment to local communities. This change will not impact the daily operations of OSF HealthCare, ensuring that Mission Partners, patients, and donors will continue to receive the same high-quality care they have come to expect.

For more information about OSF HealthCare and its commitment to faith-based health care, visit osfhealthcare.org.