Ascension Elmbrook’s Mary Jo Kohout Retires After 40 Years of Nursing Leadership

After four decades of service, Mary Jo Kohout, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Ascension Elmbrook Hospital, is retiring from a career defined by leadership, mentorship and a deep commitment to patient care.

Kohout began her nursing career in 1986, fresh out of college, in the cardiac unit on the fourth floor of St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee. What started as her first job quickly became the foundation for a lifelong vocation. Growing up, Kohout had always been drawn to science and learning, and she knew as early as second grade that she wanted to become a nurse.

Over the years, she steadily advanced in leadership while remaining deeply connected to the bedside teams she supported. She first became a nursing supervisor in 1993 and in 2005 was named nurse director of the fourth floor at St. Joseph. During that time, she was mentored by nurse leader Sharon Baughman and supported by regional president Deb Standridge, leaders who played a key role in shaping her leadership approach.

"I've been fortunate to have remarkable mentors throughout my career who believed in me, guided me and helped shape the kind of nurse and leader I became," Kohout said. "Because of that, I've always felt a responsibility to pay that forward, to invest in others, help them grow in their careers and create opportunities for the next generation of nurses to lead."

That philosophy guided her career as she moved into increasingly senior leadership roles. In 2011, Standridge promoted Kohout to vice president of nursing for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare's North Market. She later became the nurse leader at Ascension St. Joseph and Ascension Elmbrook Hospital in 2016, where she ultimately served as both Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Ascension Elmbrook.

A Commitment to Mentorship

Throughout her career, mentorship was central to Kohout's leadership. She has remained closely connected with many nurses she hired or mentored early in their careers. Today, she still works alongside several nurses who first joined the organization as interns at St. Joe's. Sally Kalbas, RN sees Kohout as an incredible role model since her first days as an intern and now as a nurse director. "She's made every nurse feel like we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves," Kalbas said.

Lisa Bosman RN, BSN, Executive Nurse Director said, "Mary Jo had more confidence in me than I did in myself and it was her encouragement that led me to pursue nurse leadership 15 years ago. She has remained a steadfast mentor and cheerleader."

Kohout says one of the accomplishments she is most proud of is developing strong teams and supporting them through periods of significant change in healthcare. Over the course of her career, she witnessed and helped guide the profession through major shifts, including the HIV and AIDS crisis in the 1980s, the transition to electronic health records and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through each moment, she saw the resilience of the nursing profession firsthand.

"I've worked with amazing people who just figure things out," she said. "Resilience and positivity make such a difference."

Under her leadership, Ascension Elmbrook has built a strong culture of engagement and teamwork. Beyond achievements and recognitions, Kohout says her greatest satisfaction has come from being a positive role model and a change agent while helping nurses grow into leaders themselves. As she prepares to retire, she is confident the team she leaves behind will continue that legacy.

Katie Krysiak RN, BSN, MBA, Director of Perioperative Services shared, "Mary Jo has been a steady source of guidance, wisdom and support for the past 12 years of working together." Kathlyn Tambellini BSN, RNC, C-EFM, Director, Inpatient Women and Infants agreed, "Mary Jo is an amazing mentor and I thank her immensely for believing in me."

A Lasting Legacy and the Future of Nursing

Kohout remains a passionate advocate for the nursing profession and frequently encourages young people to consider the field. She believes the qualities that define great nurses have remained constant even as healthcare has evolved.

Nursing has also become a family tradition. All three of Kohout's daughters have followed her into the profession.

"The fundamental values of caring for patients with compassion and empathy remain central to nursing," she said. "Nursing also requires dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning. Healthcare is always evolving, and you have to be someone who embraces challenges." She continued, "Nursing presents unexpected situations every day, and resilience is crucial to thriving in this field."

As she begins retirement, Kohout looks forward to spending more time with family, including her five siblings and her 89-year-old father. She is also excited for a slower pace and more time for personal interests; especially golfing, a hobby she picked up in 2020 and hopes to enjoy much more often.

After 40 years in nursing, Kohout leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, leadership and dedication; and a generation of nurses she helped guide along the way.