Harry Schmidt, vice president of facilities management for Memorial Health System, has been approved by the Passavant Area Hospital Board of Directors to be the next president and CEO of Passavant Area Hospital.
Schmidt succeeds Doug Rahn, DBA, who has served as Passavant’s CEO since April 2014 and retires Dec. 31. Passavant Area Hospital is one of seven affiliates of Memorial Health System in Springfield.
"We welcome Harry’s experience and leadership to Passavant Area Hospital," said Greg Lepper, PAH Board of Directors chairman. “Harry has an accomplished background that includes strategic planning, operations, information technology and construction that will be a strong fit with Passavant as we continue to enhance our services to provide our patients with safe, high-quality healthcare. His results-oriented approach and ability to think strategically will play a pivotal role in the future of Passavant Area Hospital.”
Schmidt joined Memorial Health System in 2007 with Information Services. In 2009, he was named to his current position as vice president of the health system’s facilities management division, which includes more than 400 individuals representing planning and construction, engineering, security, environmental services, environmental safety, and food and nutrition.
In this role, Schmidt led a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team of leaders to develop and execute the largest expansion project in Memorial Medical Center's 119-year history, earned a Lincoln Foundation for Performance Excellence Quality Supplier Award for operational excellence, and implemented more than $11 million in cost savings initiatives, among many other successes.
"Harry has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in his nearly decade of service at Memorial Health System and has served as an integral member of our leadership team," said Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health System. "I am confident he will bring that same dedication to serving the healthcare needs of the residents of Morgan County and the surrounding communities."
Prior to joining Memorial, Schmidt served for 20 years as a professional military officer, rising to the ranks of lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and major in the U.S. Air Force.
"In my interactions with the Passavant team, I have seen how committed they are to our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve,” Schmidt said. “Passavant has a long-standing commitment to the community, and I look forward to being a part of the continued success of PAH and working with such a talented and passionate team of employees, physicians, volunteers and board members.”
Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s in business administration from Washington University.
Harry and his wife, Lisa, have two teenage sons and reside in rural Menard County.