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Carol Friesen
Chief Executive Officer, Northern Region at OSF HealthCare
Professional Background
Carol Friesen is an accomplished healthcare executive currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of OSF HealthCare Northern Region. OSF HealthCare is a prominent health system comprising fourteen hospitals with a robust net revenue of $3 billion. This organization employs approximately 23,000 mission partners, providing critical healthcare services across various locations. In her current role, Carol oversees a significant operational footprint consisting of four hospitals located in Illinois and Michigan, as well as three Centers for Health, three Cancer Centers, and a College of Nursing in Illinois, which contribute to a net revenue of $700 million and engage 4,400 mission partners, in addition to supporting 1,400 physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs).
Throughout her illustrious career, Carol has ascended to key leadership positions, including Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer, demonstrating her diverse capabilities within the healthcare sector. Before joining OSF HealthCare, she made a significant impact as Vice President of Health System Services at Bryan Health, where she played an instrumental role in leading the Heartland Health Alliance, which consists of 48 member hospitals throughout Lincoln, Nebraska. Additionally, Carol served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bryan Health – Crete Area Medical Center, showcasing her adeptness at guiding organizations towards success.
Carol's journey in healthcare began in finance, where she first served as Chief Financial Officer before making the strategic transition to operations. Her financial acumen, combined with her operational expertise, allows her to navigate the complex challenges of healthcare leadership seamlessly.
Education and Achievements
Carol Friesen’s educational background is rooted in public health and business management, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the healthcare industry. She earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the prestigious University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, concentrating on Health Care Administration and Management. Her academic foundation also includes a Bachelor of Business Management from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska, as well as an Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) from Southeast Community College.
Beyond her formal education, Carol has actively participated in myriad professional organizations, enriching her expertise and expanding her network within the industry. As a long-term member of the Health Financial Management Association (HFMA) since 1999, she has held numerous leadership roles, ultimately serving as the National Chair in the 2017-2018 term. Her extensive involvement with HFMA at the national, regional, and local levels has garnered her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Founders Medal of Honor and the Shelton Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the field.
In recognition of her commitment to professional growth and leadership development, Carol was awarded the Early Careerist Award in 2007 from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). This honor underscores her impact and potential as a future leader in the healthcare space.
Throughout her career, Carol has demonstrated a commitment to sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. She frequently serves as a speaker, moderator, and guest faculty member at both regional and national events, addressing topics related to leadership, strategy, and governance. Her ability to engage and inspire audiences makes her a sought-after figure in discussions surrounding healthcare leadership and innovation.
Community Involvement
In addition to her esteemed roles in healthcare, Carol also contributes to the academic world as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Creighton University. In this capacity, she has the opportunity to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders by sharing her extensive industry experience and insights. Through her teaching and mentoring, she aims to empower aspiring healthcare professionals to navigate their own paths towards success.
Overall, Carol Friesen is a dynamic leader in the healthcare sector whose extensive experience, educational background, and commitment to professional excellence underscore her vital contributions to OSF HealthCare and the broader healthcare community. Her ability to lead, inspire, and innovate in the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare positions her as a key figure in driving positive change and improving healthcare delivery for countless individuals and families.
Notable Achievements
- Chief Executive Officer of OSF HealthCare Northern Region, overseeing a robust healthcare ecosystem
- Former Vice President of Health System Services at Bryan Health, leading a significant coalition of hospitals
- National Chair of Health Financial Management Association (HFMA) during the 2017-2018 term
- Recipient of the HFMA Founders Medal of Honor and Shelton Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to healthcare finance
- Awarded the Early Careerist Award by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in 2007
- Frequent speaker and guest faculty member, sharing expertise on leadership, strategy, and governance
- Adjunct Faculty Member at Creighton University, dedicated to mentoring future healthcare leaders
