By Mark Ambrogi
For Kathleen R. Krusie, taking the position as Community Health Network North Regional president just seemed the natural career progression.
“I was interested in getting back to the Midwest and Community is an exceptional system,” said Krusie, who is originally from Iowa. “I just felt as though its values were very closely aligned with my own personal values so I really thought it would be a good fit.”
Krusie started on Aug. 17, replacing Jason Fahrlander, who was promoted to president of acute care services for the network.
“Kathleen is a proven healthcare leader, who can help guide the future of Community’s fast-growing North Region,” Fahrlander stated. “As the network continues its focus on delivering exceptional care and the best possible patient experience, she brings a successful background in those areas to our North campus.”
Krusie, who has more than 25 years of health care experience, left St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan/College Station, Texas, where she served as chief executive officer since 2010. While at St. Joseph, Krusie, 55, led major quality initiatives to improve patient satisfaction scores and implemented cost reduction and productivity processes that positively impacted the organization, according to the Community North release.
Krusie said Community North is a larger system that St. Joseph.
“The (Community) network has been very successful so I really want to put my skills to work to help the network to continue to be successful,” Krusie said. “There is a lot of growth in that part of the community so really helping to be responsive to what the needs are and continuing to emphasize patient experience.
“There will be a lot of opportunity to meet with folks, tour the facilities and really learn about the culture and the priorities. I just look forward to jumping in with both feet and getting started.”
Krusie had three visits during the interview and recruitment process.
“I met with several dozen people and was very impressed with the leadership that was I was able to speak with and get to know,” Krusie said. “There also was an opportunity to get to know the community as well. Indianapolis has a lot to offer so we’re excited about the move.”
Krusie and her husband Steve have not chosen a place to live yet. The couple has a daughter Megan, 27, a physical therapist who lives in Washington, D.C., and a son, Jason, 25, who is in marketing sales in San Antonio, Texas.
“We like to be fairly close to the Community North Regional so we’re looking at houses in that part of town,” Krusie said.
Prior to her position at St. Joseph Regional Health Center, Krusie, from Monticello, Iowa, held several leadership roles in 21 years with Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She holds her master’s degree from the University of Iowa in hospital and health administration. Krusie has been involved in a number of professional organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, the University of Iowa Department of Health Management & Policy Alumni Board and the MHA Professional Advisory Committee at Texas A&M Health Science Center’s School of Public Health.
