Ascension CEO Retirement | Healthcare News
- Joseph Impicciche, the chief executive officer of Ascension, will retire at the close of 2025, the nonprofit health system announced Tuesday.
- Ascension officials said the system has been preparing for this leadership transition for some time.
- During his six-year tenure as CEO, Impicciche spearheaded efforts to broaden care access within the Catholic health system.
Ascension CEO Joseph Impicciche is set to retire at the end of 2025, paving the way for Eduardo Conrado to assume the role on January 1, 2026. Impicciche’s tenure saw significant expansion for the health system,including acquisitions and the establishment of the Ascension Foundation. He also steered the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic, a cyberattack, and broader industry challenges. Conrado, currently president, is poised to build upon this foundation, focusing on financial recovery, digital health advancements, and navigating future industry complexities.News Directory 3 offers this crucial update, keeping you informed on the latest in healthcare leadership changes. Discover what’s next for Ascension under new leadership.
Ascension CEO Joseph Impicciche to Retire; Conrado Named Successor
Updated June 25, 2025
Joseph Impicciche, the chief executive officer of Ascension, will retire at the close of 2025, the nonprofit health system announced Tuesday. The Ascension board of directors has tapped President Eduardo Conrado to succeed Impicciche, with the transition taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Ascension officials said the system has been preparing for this leadership transition for some time. Impicciche will remain actively involved to assist Conrado.
During his six-year tenure as CEO, Impicciche spearheaded efforts to broaden care access within the Catholic health system. The system expanded to include 94 hospitals, ownership interests in 27 additional facilities, senior living communities, and a network of care sites spanning 16 states. He also guided Ascension through a $3.9 billion acquisition of Amsurg, an ambulatory surgery provider, adding over 250 surgery centers to their portfolio.
Impicciche also established the Ascension Foundation, which supports care for individuals living in poverty and funds other community benefit programs. In fiscal year 2024, the foundation provided $2.1 billion in care, according to a press release.
His leadership navigated Ascension through the COVID-19 pandemic, a major cyberattack in 2024, and industry-wide challenges like labor shortages and inflation.
Conrado, the incoming CEO, joined Ascension in 2018 and has served as president since 2023. as president, Conrado helped stabilize Ascension’s finances, modernize infrastructure, and transform its portfolio. He reduced reliance on contract labor and expanded ambulatory and pharmacy services.
Conrado also spearheaded digital initiatives, including the Ascension One app, which allows patients to manage care and pay bills in one place.
Despite progress in financial recovery, Ascension reported a $101.2 million operating loss for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, following a $1.1 billion net loss in 2024.The system continues to address the fallout from the cyberattack and struggles with investment returns amid economic volatility. The leadership change aims to further improve Ascension’s financial health and digital capabilities in the healthcare landscape.
What’s next
Conrado will focus on continuing Ascension’s financial turnaround, expanding digital health offerings, and navigating ongoing industry challenges.