The St. Charles Health System Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Michael Hartke will serve as the next President and CEO of the organization as Dr. Steve Gordon plans to retire later this year. Hartke currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the health system and is looking forward to taking on the new role.

"I've really enjoyed getting to know St. Charles - our caregivers, physicians, providers and the leadership team - as well as the Central Oregon region over the past year. I am honored the Board is confident in my leadership abilities to step into Steve's shoes, which will be very hard to fill," Hartke said. "I feel exceptionally grateful to have benefited from Steve's leadership and friendship throughout my time here at St. Charles. There is no doubt that the health care industry faces significant challenges, but I'm confident we will continue working together as an organization and a community to meet them head on."

After four years as President and CEO, Gordon said it is time to get back to the retirement plans he delayed when originally agreeing to serve in the role on an interim basis.

"These four years as St. Charles President and CEO have been the highlight of my career. Hands down. I'm so proud of our essential and growing impact on Central Oregon and how we've stabilized and strengthened ourselves as an organization," he said. "I've stayed so much longer in this role than I ever intended because I've simply loved working with the people and because I believe that having a strong, local, nonprofit health care system is critical to building a strong, vibrant community."

The transition will officially take place July 5, but Gordon will continue to provide support through the third quarter of the year and also plans to remain a part of the Central Oregon community in his retirement.

"I want to thank Steve for stepping in to stabilize the organization post pandemic. During his tenure, St. Charles has reached the top 10% nationally in terms of staff retention, the organization performs better financially than many of its peers throughout the state and patient safety and satisfaction have improved," said Ann Rhoads, St. Charles Health System Board Chair. "Steve led the organization through several major milestones including integration with The Center, launching of the St. Charles Cancer Institute and opening of the Cancer Center in Redmond, a revitalization of the St. Charles Foundation and philanthropic support along with an improved internal organizational culture and expansion of community outreach activities."

In addition, Rhoads shared that the board is thrilled that Michael Hartke has agreed to take on the President and CEO role.

"Michael's experience, track record and focus on clinical and operational excellence will ensure St. Charles is well positioned to continue serving Central Oregon into the future," Rhoads said.

Hartke has more than 25 years of health care leadership experience, including serving as President of Northwest Community Healthcare, a division of Endeavor Health, in Arlington Heights, Ill. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago. He has been in his role with St. Charles for a little more than a year and joined the St. Charles Foundation Board of Directors earlier this year. He and his wife Amy enjoy living in Bend and appreciate all of the amazing outdoor activities and climate that Central Oregon has to offer. The Hartkes have three adult sons that live in Madison, Wisc., Chicago, Ill., and Southern California.