Ascension CEO Joseph Impicciche to Retire, Eduardo Conrado Named Successor

Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the United States, has announced a significant leadership change. Joseph Impicciche, who has served as CEO since 2019, will retire at the end of the year. The board of directors has appointed current President Eduardo Conrado to succeed Impicciche, effective January 1, 2026.

Leadership Transition and Strategic Continuity

Impicciche's tenure as CEO has been marked by several notable achievements, including guiding the system through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding care access, and driving public health advocacy. Under his leadership, Ascension grew to encompass 94 hospitals, with ownership interests in 27 additional facilities, as well as senior living facilities and a network of care sites across 16 states.

Conrado, who joined Ascension in 2018 and has been serving as president since 2023, brings a wealth of experience in digital strategy and innovation. Prior to his role at Ascension, Conrado spent 26 years at Motorola Solutions and served on Ascension's board for five years.

In an interview, Conrado emphasized that the transition has been long-planned and will not result in a significant shift in strategy. "You're not going to see a change of direction, but more a deepened commitment on what we're doing right now and the strategy that we already set," he stated.

Financial Recovery and Strategic Investments

Ascension has been navigating a challenging financial landscape, posting a $101.2 million operating loss for the third quarter of its 2025 fiscal year, following a $1.1 billion net loss in 2024. However, the system has made progress in its financial recovery efforts, with Conrado playing a key role in stabilizing finances and modernizing infrastructure.

The health system recently announced a $3.9 billion acquisition of ambulatory surgery provider Amsurg, which will add more than 250 ambulatory surgery centers to Ascension's portfolio. This move aligns with the system's strategic shift towards expanding its outpatient presence.

Conrado also revealed plans for a $2 billion investment in Ascension's current sites of care, focusing on updating facilities, accelerating medical equipment refreshes, and improving the overall patient and staff experience.

Future Focus and Industry Challenges

As Conrado prepares to take the helm, he outlined three key areas of focus for Ascension:

1. Continuing operational rigor, quality improvement, and focus on associate engagement and patient experience.
2. Strategic investments in both organic growth and acquisitions to expand the system's footprint and capabilities.
3. Expanding impact on communities, particularly for Medicaid and uninsured populations, through improved access to primary care, medications, and wraparound services.

Conrado also addressed ongoing industry challenges, including potential policy changes affecting Medicaid, inflation, and cybersecurity threats. He emphasized Ascension's commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations and improving healthcare access while working to enhance the system's resilience against cyber attacks.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Ascension's leadership transition and strategic initiatives signal the system's commitment to adapting to industry challenges while maintaining its mission-driven focus on providing quality care and expanding access to underserved communities.