E.J. Kuiper will become president and CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System May 1. He succeeds Dr. Richard R. Vath, who is retiring.
Kuiper
Kuiper is now CEO of CommonSpirit Health's Midwest division. In that role, he leads 28 hospitals spanning four states. Previously, Kuiper was CEO of the Illinois division of Hospital Sisters Health System. Before that he was president and CEO of OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton, Illinois. Originally from the Netherlands, Kuiper joined Hospital Corporation of America in 1991 to work as a physical therapist at a hospital in Florida. He worked in progressive leadership roles, ultimately becoming chief operating officer of an HCA facility.
Kuiper received a doctor of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Florida and a master's in health science and health services administration from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
Sr. Laura Wolf, OSF, is chair of Franciscan Calais Ministries, which is the sponsor of FMOLHS. She said in a release, "E.J. is a man of deep faith. He is an advocate for Catholic health care and the unique opportunities we have throughout our entire ministry to be the face of Christ to each person, especially those most in need. We are confident that he will bring the vision and strength of service to this role that are essential for the long-term stability and growth of our ministry."
Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, FMOLHS has eight hospital campuses in Louisiana and one in Mississippi.