Ascension Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ascension has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, market development, and patient care delivery.

Rooted in a commitment to compassionate service, Ascension advances a mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered medical care to diverse communities across the United States while maintaining a focus on the economically vulnerable.

Leadership Roles at Ascension

  • Chief Executive Officer - Erin Shadbolt
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Eduardo Conrado
  • Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi - Jason Alexander
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin - Scott Cihak
  • President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside - Cory Darling
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dana Runager
  • Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Medical Group & St. Vincent's Medical Group - William Mayher
  • Cno and Chief Operating Officer - Shana McClone
  • Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Texas - Ashley Dickinson
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Saint Thomas Health Services - Dale Batchelor
  • Erin Shadbolt - Chief Executive Officer

    Erin Shadbolt, the Chief Executive Officer at Ascension, directs the strategic vision for senior living and long-term care initiatives. Shadbolt oversees the integration of faith-based values into daily clinical operations, ensuring that every facility maintains high standards of compassionate care. By managing complex resource allocation across multiple states, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery for aging populations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with regional boards to align local outcomes with the broader national mission. Erin Shadbolt drives operational excellence by implementing standardized protocols that enhance patient safety and quality of life. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial sustainability of the network. Ultimately, Shadbolt fosters an environment where clinical innovation meets the specific needs of vulnerable individuals, reinforcing the organization's reputation as a premier provider of comprehensive medical services within the national healthcare landscape.
    Erin Shadbolt

    Eduardo Conrado - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Eduardo Conrado, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ascension, architects the overarching corporate strategy for the entire nonprofit healthcare system. Conrado manages the alignment of clinical ministries across the United States, ensuring that the organization fulfills its mission of serving the economically vulnerable. By driving digital transformation and operational efficiency, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the accessibility of medical services for millions of patients. This leadership role requires constant engagement with the Board to navigate the complexities of the modern American healthcare market. Eduardo Conrado executes long-term growth plans that expand the reach of the network into underserved regions. Through the coordination of vast hospital systems and outpatient centers, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the Catholic healthcare tradition. Ultimately, Conrado secures the future of the organization by balancing fiscal responsibility with a deep commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
    Eduardo Conrado

    Jason Alexander - Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi

    Jason Alexander, the Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi at Ascension, directs all clinical and administrative activities within the Kansas market. Alexander oversees the delivery of acute hospital care and community health programs, ensuring that local facilities meet the rigorous standards of the national network. By managing regional partnerships, the Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi strengthens the presence of the organization in competitive medical environments. This leadership role involves optimizing patient flow and resource utilization to improve overall health outcomes. Jason Alexander executes strategic initiatives that address the specific needs of the local population, particularly those facing economic barriers. Through the supervision of medical staff and administrative teams, the Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi maintains high levels of service quality. Ultimately, Alexander ensures that the mission of compassionate care remains the primary focus of all regional operations.

    Scott Cihak - Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin

    Scott Cihak, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin at Ascension, directs the operational strategy for the entire Wisconsin healthcare network. Cihak oversees the integration of hospital services and outpatient clinics, ensuring that patients receive coordinated care across the state. By managing regional clinical performance, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin drives improvements in patient safety and service efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with the national office to implement standardized care models that reflect the organization's faith-based mission. Scott Cihak executes growth strategies that expand access to medical services for underserved communities throughout the region. Through the supervision of hospital administrators and clinical leaders, the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin maintains high standards of excellence. Ultimately, Cihak ensures that the organization remains a vital component of the state's healthcare infrastructure by focusing on sustainable, patient-centered outcomes.

    Cory Darling - President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside

    Cory Darling, the President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside at Ascension, directs the daily operations and strategic growth of the Southside medical campus. Darling oversees the delivery of specialized hospital services, ensuring that the facility remains a cornerstone of the local community health network. By managing clinical staff and administrative departments, the President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside drives operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. This leadership role involves aligning campus activities with the broader goals of the national healthcare system. Cory Darling executes initiatives that enhance the quality of medical care for diverse patient populations, including those with limited economic resources. Through the supervision of facility-wide programs, the President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside maintains the high standards expected of the organization. Ultimately, Darling ensures that the campus provides compassionate, effective care to every individual seeking medical assistance.
    Cory Darling

    Dana Runager - Chief Operating Officer

    Dana Runager, the Chief Operating Officer at Ascension, directs the internal business processes and operational infrastructure of the national healthcare system. Runager oversees the optimization of hospital workflows, supply chain logistics, and administrative support services to ensure seamless patient care delivery. By managing cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer drives the implementation of standardized operational protocols across all facilities. This leadership role involves collaborating with the C-suite to align resource allocation with the organization's long-term strategic goals. Dana Runager executes efficiency programs that reduce costs while maintaining the high quality of medical services provided to patients. Through the oversight of system-wide performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every hospital and clinic operates at peak capacity. Ultimately, Runager supports the mission of the organization by building a robust, scalable operational foundation that allows for the consistent delivery of compassionate, patient-centered care.

    William Mayher - Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Medical Group & St. Vincent's Medical Group

    William Mayher, the Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Medical Group & St. Vincent's Medical Group at Ascension, directs the operational management of the physician and medical group networks. Mayher oversees the integration of outpatient services and clinical practices, ensuring that patients experience coordinated care across the medical group landscape. By managing physician productivity and administrative workflows, the Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Medical Group & St. Vincent's Medical Group drives improvements in clinical access and service quality. This leadership role involves aligning medical group operations with the broader goals of the hospital system. William Mayher executes strategies that expand the reach of the medical groups into new geographic markets, increasing the availability of care for underserved populations. Through the supervision of clinical staff and practice managers, the Chief Operating Officer, Sacred Heart Medical Group & St. Vincent's Medical Group maintains high standards of excellence. Ultimately, Mayher ensures that the medical groups function as a cohesive, efficient part of the national network.

    Shana McClone - Cno and Chief Operating Officer

    Shana McClone, the Cno and Chief Operating Officer at Ascension, directs the clinical nursing standards and the daily operational management of the facility. McClone oversees the nursing staff, ensuring that patient care remains the top priority while simultaneously managing the administrative functions of the hospital. By driving clinical excellence and operational efficiency, the Cno and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the facility meets all regulatory and quality benchmarks. This leadership role involves coordinating with medical directors to optimize patient outcomes and staff performance. Shana McClone executes nursing development programs that enhance the skills of the clinical team, directly impacting the quality of care provided to patients. Through the supervision of both clinical and non-clinical departments, the Cno and Chief Operating Officer maintains a balanced and effective hospital environment. Ultimately, McClone ensures that the facility delivers compassionate, high-quality medical services that align with the organization's core mission.

    Ashley Dickinson - Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Texas

    Ashley Dickinson, the Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Texas at Ascension, directs the operational strategy for the entire Texas healthcare network. Dickinson oversees the management of hospital facilities and outpatient centers, ensuring that the organization provides consistent, high-quality care across the state. By driving operational improvements and resource optimization, the Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Texas enhances the efficiency of the regional network. This leadership role involves collaborating with the state executive team to align local operations with the national mission of the organization. Ashley Dickinson executes growth initiatives that expand the reach of the network into new communities, particularly those that are underserved. Through the supervision of hospital administrators and clinical leaders, the Chief Operating Officer for Ascension Texas maintains high standards of patient safety and service delivery. Ultimately, Dickinson ensures that the Texas network remains a strong, effective provider of compassionate medical care.
    Ashley Dickinson

    Dale Batchelor - Chief Marketing Officer, Saint Thomas Health Services

    Dale Batchelor, the Chief Marketing Officer, Saint Thomas Health Services at Ascension, directs the brand strategy and community engagement initiatives for the Saint Thomas market. Batchelor oversees the development of communication campaigns that highlight the organization's commitment to compassionate, faith-based healthcare. By managing public relations and patient outreach programs, the Chief Marketing Officer, Saint Thomas Health Services drives awareness of the medical services available to the community. This leadership role involves collaborating with clinical leaders to ensure that marketing efforts accurately reflect the patient-centered mission of the organization. Dale Batchelor executes digital and traditional marketing strategies that connect the health system with diverse patient populations, including those who are economically vulnerable. Through the supervision of marketing teams, the Chief Marketing Officer, Saint Thomas Health Services maintains a strong, positive reputation for the network. Ultimately, Batchelor ensures that the community understands the value and accessibility of the care provided by the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ascension Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ascension?
    Ascension is led by Erin Shadbolt (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Eduardo Conrado (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jason Alexander (Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi).
    Who is part of Ascension’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ascension includes leaders such as Erin Shadbolt (Chief Executive Officer), Eduardo Conrado (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jason Alexander (Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ascension have?
    Ascension has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ascension’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ascension includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Ministry Market Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Via Christi, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Wisconsin, President and Chief Executive Officer, St. Vincent's Southside.