Carynski began serving the Ministry in 1985 as a cardiac staff nurse. Throughout the years, she advanced to manager and director of various clinical areas. In August 1999, Carynski was named chief nursing officer, serving in that position until 2013. While serving as chief nursing officer, she led OSF Saint Anthony to its first Magnet designation in 2005. For the past 11 years, Carynski has served as president of OSF Saint Anthony.

“Paula’s many contributions in the time that she has served the Ministry have been invaluable,” says AJ Querciagrossa, CEO, Western Region, OSF HealthCare. “Paula is an incredible leader who has made a lasting impact in every role she has taken on. She’s not only led by example but with humility, grace and compassion. We congratulate Paula on a remarkable career.”

As Carynski looks forward to retirement, she is grateful for the 39 years she spent at OSF Saint Anthony. “I have genuinely enjoyed my calling to OSF and serving the Sisters and the Mission,” she says. “I will miss the people that I have grown to know, respect and love. I have been blessed with the great fortune and joy of growing personally, spiritually and professionally all within the same company.

“I do not take for granted how truly blessed I have been. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire OSF Ministry for their support, collaboration and for the impact they have had on my professional growth. I am profoundly grateful for the relationships I have formed and the valuable experience I have gained working alongside such talented individuals.”

In addition, Carynski is a pillar of the community, serving such organizations as the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce where she leads the talent committee. She also serves on the mayor’s mental behavioral health advisory committee. She has also been a member of the Rosecrance, the Rockford Health Council and American Heart Association board of directors.

In 2012 Carynski was the recipient of the Rockford Chamber Business Manager of the Year and one of the Twenty People You Should Know, among many other honors. In 2015, she was named to Becker's Hospital Review's “130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.”