Ascension Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village names new hospital president

Ellis Hawkins was named Wednesday as the new president of Ascension Alexian Brothers hospital in Elk Grove Village, officials announced.

He replaces Dan Doherty, who left to become CEO of Northwest Health — Porter in Indiana last October.

Hawkins was brought on by St. Louis-based Ascension to become president of St. Mary hospital in Chicago in early 2024 before the hospital was one of eight acquired by Ontario, California-based Prime Healthcare a year later. Five Ascension sites, including the hospital in Elk Grove, weren’t included in the deal.

“Following an extensive national search, we found exactly what we needed right here in Ellis,” said Polly Davenport, senior vice president and ministry market CEO for Ascension Illinois, in a statement. “Ellis is a highly qualified leader with extensive knowledge of health care in general and Ascension in particular. I’m happy to welcome him back to lead our largest Chicagoland hospital.”

Hawkins has spent more than 30 years in the health care field, including a year as president of Touchette Regional Hospital in downstate Centreville, where he led the design and construction of a replacement hospital and oversaw the restructure of the hospital’s behavioral health service line. He was president of SSM Health DePaul Hospital in St. Louis for nearly three years, and president of SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri, for four years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He has an MBA from Webster University in Webster Groves, Missouri, and bachelor’s degree in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University.

Hawkins officially begins his new role during the final week of February, officials said.