RML Specialty Hospital Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

RML Specialty Hospital has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to advanced patient care, RML Specialty Hospital provides hospital-level services for medically complex patients, ensuring personalized attention and specialized recovery programs in a supportive environment.

Leadership Roles at RML Specialty Hospital

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jim Prister
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Thomas Pater
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kenneth Pawola
  • Chief Medical Officer - John Brofman
  • Jim Prister - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jim Prister, the President & Chief Executive Officer at RML Specialty Hospital, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the not-for-profit long-term acute care facility. Prister guides the hospital's mission to provide advanced, hospital-level care for medically complex patients, ensuring that families seeking specialized treatment for loved ones find a supportive and effective environment. This leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of the hospital's operations across its Chicago and Hinsdale locations, focusing on maintaining the highest standards of patient-centered care. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the hospital's specialized programs, including ventilator weaning and organ transplant recovery, are delivered with precision and compassion. Jim Prister's executive oversight is critical to the hospital's financial health and its ability to serve the Illinois community with dedicated long-term acute care services.

    Thomas Pater - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Thomas Pater, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at RML Specialty Hospital, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting for the organization. Pater oversees the fiscal health of the not-for-profit hospital, ensuring robust financial strategies support the delivery of specialized, hospital-level care for medically complex patients. This role involves managing budgets, optimizing revenue cycles, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations pertinent to healthcare providers in Illinois. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer plays a crucial part in securing the resources necessary for advanced programs like organ transplant recovery and ventilator weaning. Thomas Pater's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the hospital's operational stability and its capacity to provide personalized, patient-centered care in a supportive environment, enabling RML Specialty Hospital to effectively serve its intended client base seeking advanced medical solutions.
    Thomas Pater

    Kenneth Pawola - Chief Operating Officer

    Kenneth Pawola, the Chief Operating Officer at RML Specialty Hospital, manages the day-to-day operational functions and service delivery across both the Chicago and Hinsdale facilities. Pawola ensures the seamless execution of specialized programs, including critical ventilator weaning and advanced wound care, aligning operational strategies with the hospital's core mission of providing hospital-level care for medically complex patients. This executive is responsible for optimizing patient flow, resource allocation, and staff coordination to maintain a high standard of patient-centered care. The Chief Operating Officer drives efficiency in daily operations, ensuring that the supportive environment RML Specialty Hospital is known for is consistently maintained. Kenneth Pawola's leadership focuses on enhancing the hospital's capacity to serve patients who require extended medical attention and cannot safely transition to home or traditional rehabilitation settings, thereby solidifying the hospital's role in the Illinois healthcare landscape.
    Kenneth Pawola

    John Brofman - Chief Medical Officer

    John Brofman, the Chief Medical Officer at RML Specialty Hospital, leads the clinical strategy and medical operations, ensuring the highest quality of patient care. Brofman oversees the implementation and delivery of specialized medical programs, including critical ventilator weaning, comprehensive wound care, and post-organ transplant recovery, all within the hospital-level care framework. This executive ensures that the medical team provides personalized attention and adheres to the hospital's patient-centered philosophy, creating a supportive environment for medically complex individuals. The Chief Medical Officer is instrumental in maintaining the 24/7 on-site physician support that RML Specialty Hospital offers. John Brofman's medical expertise guides the hospital in serving patients who require advanced, long-term acute care, reinforcing RML Specialty Hospital's commitment to excellence in patient outcomes and recovery within the Chicago and Hinsdale communities.
    John Brofman

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding RML Specialty Hospital Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads RML Specialty Hospital?
    RML Specialty Hospital is led by Jim Prister (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Pater (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Kenneth Pawola (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of RML Specialty Hospital’s executive team?
    The executive team of RML Specialty Hospital includes leaders such as Jim Prister (President & Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Pater (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Kenneth Pawola (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does RML Specialty Hospital have?
    RML Specialty Hospital has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in RML Specialty Hospital’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of RML Specialty Hospital includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Medical Officer.