Warren-based Ascension Michigan named Shanna Johnson as COO of Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit and Ascension River District Hospital in East China (south of Port Huron). Cecilia Rutherford was selected as vice president of nursing for Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital in Rochester Hills.
Johnson and Rutherford have years of leadership experience in the health care industry, serving for both local and national health care organizations. Johnson is an executive leader with more than 15 years experience who comes to Ascension Michigan from Trinity Health at Home. As a member of Trinity Health, she served as senior executive director for the past two years.
Prior to that role, Johnson was vice president of service excellence and imaging services at Beaumont Hospital. Her professional experience also includes leadership roles with Henry Ford Health System, Orchard’s Children’s Services, and University Health Services Pharmacy.
Johnson will be responsible for formulating and overseeing strategic planning for both hospitals. In addition, she will oversee operations, and policies and practices. Johnson earned both a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Health Services in administration from the University of Michigan.
“Shanna Jonson is a transformational leader with a proven track record for improving organizational quality and the patient experience,” says Dr. Kevin Grady, president of Ascension St. John Hospital and Ascension River District Hospital. “Her commitment to collaborating with various teams will help push our mission, vision, and values forward.”
Rutherford has held many positions in health care for more than 25 years. Most recently, she served as the inpatient director of nursing at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. Prior to that, she was a nursing manager at Ascension Genesys Hospital. Rutherford received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Phoenix.
“Cecilia Rutherford leads with compassion to help ensure our patients’ needs are met,” says Christopher Palazzolo, president of Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. “She is a leader who believes in making a long-lasting impact on the communities we serve. Cecilia’s positive outlook for the future will contribute to successful patient outcomes.”
In Michigan, Ascension operates 16 hospitals and hundreds of related health care facilities that together employ more than 23,000 associates. Ascension has been serving Michigan for more than 140 years. It is a faith-based health care organization.
