GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The president and CEO of Bellin Health says he will retire later this year.
George Kerwin joined Bellin in 1971 starting out as the director of housekeeping and admissions.
He became senior vice president and COO in 1986 and then president and chief executive officer in 1992.
During his time at Bellin, Kerwin saw growth in the region’s heart and vascular programs, the creation of the Bellin Health Foundation and the addition of Bellin Psychiatric Center, Oconto Hospital & Medical Center, Bellin FastCare and others.
“It will be difficult to leave this healthcare system after being part of such a tremendous period of growth. But I leave knowing that Bellin Health is in good hands with Chris in the lead role and a strong leadership team that’s in place.”
The Bellin Health System Board of Directors say Chris Woleske, the current executive vice president and chief operating officer of Bellin Health, will be the next president.
“Over the past three years, we’ve been working on a succession plan knowing that, at some point, George would decide to retire,” explained Bellin Health Board Chairman Terry Fulwiler.
“He let us know early this year he would be stepping down at the end of 2018. As we reviewed our plans and discussed whether or not to do an outside search for his replacement, we kept coming back to our belief that the best person for the job was already at Bellin, and that is Chris Woleske.”
Woleske has been with Bellin Health since 1998, serving in various roles. She has led the acquisition of several specialty practices including Cardiology Associates, Gastroenterology Associates, and NEW ENT; led expansion of Bellin Health services in Oconto, Marinette and was involved in the development of Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics.
“Being part of the Bellin team and working closely with George has been a tremendous opportunity for me,” Woleske said.
“I look forward to continuing the strong leadership that George has demonstrated and continue to work toward the Bellin mission to improve the health and well being of every person in our region.”
Woleske will take officially take over the reins at Bellin Health on October 1st, 2018.
