Who's Who in Health Care: Michael S. Eesley, CEO at Centegra Health System

Throughout his 17-year tenure as chief executive officer at Centegra Health System, Michael S. Eesley has understood and addressed the health and wellness needs of patients and their families. Under his leadership, Centegra has carried out its Board of Governors' vision to provide patients the highest level of health care, close to home.

Eesley's focus on leadership and culture propelled Centegra to achieve national recognition for quality, patient satisfaction and employee engagement. He has led the health system to numerous accomplishments, including the recent opening of Centegra Hospital-Huntley, just the third new hospital in Illinois in 35 years. In addition to providing advanced care to community members, the hospital has created thousands of employment opportunities throughout the region.

Centegra Physician Care has grown to more than 200 employed doctors and providers ranging from primary and immediate care to specialty services including cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, surgery and hospitalist care.

Centegra Health System achieved magnet status for nursing excellence in 2013. This is the highest honor an organization can receive for quality care and professional nursing practice and distinguishes Centegra as among the best in the nation for patient care.

Eesley is the current chairman of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's board of trustees and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is the former chairman of the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council and also served as a member of the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board. He serves on the McHenry County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee and the Three-County Regional Steering Committee.