WARREN, MI – Gwen MacKenzie, Senior Vice President, Ascension Healthcare and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Michigan, has named Chris Palazzolo President and CEO of Ascension Crittenton and Genesys Health System. Palazzolo has served as President and CEO of Ascension Michigan’s Mid-Michigan ministries since 2016.
“Chris’ long experience within Ascension will be an incredible asset in further integrating our newest hospital into our national ministry,” MacKenzie said. “He has a demonstrated record of partnering successfully with physicians; his strategic and operations acumen is a longstanding strength, and Chris is a model of servant leadership.”
Palazzolo has a diverse and comprehensive 40-plus year history as a healthcare executive. Prior to serving as Ascension Mid-Michigan’s President and CEO, he lead Genesys Health System in various executive roles from 2008-2016, including President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Genesys, Palazzolo served as Chief Financial Officer, and then ultimately Chief Operating Officer of Ascension’s St. John Hospital and Medical Center. Prior to that, Palazzolo served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Detroit Medical Center.
“I am both excited and honored by this opportunity to continue to help lead our culture of healthcare transformation, innovation and clinical excellence across these renowned institutions,” Palazzolo said. “The incredible dedication and commitment I see each and every day from our providers and associates to fulfill our mission is humbling, and provides the foundation for successfully advancing our integrated vision across the state. I am proud to play a part in this career-defining work.”
As Palazzolo assumes his new responsibilities at Ascension Crittenton, he will be transitioning leadership of Ascension Michigan’s Northern Ministries – St. Mary’s of Michigan – Saginaw, St. Mary’s of Michigan Standish Hospital, and St. Joseph Health System – to former Ascension Mid-Michigan President and CEO, Elizabeth “Betsy” Aderholdt, who will return to serve as Interim President.
“Chris and Betsy successfully worked side-by-side providing leadership within the Mid-Michigan region prior to Betsy’s decision to retire in June 2016. Their historically close working relationship will be an essential benefit in continuing to support our statewide structure and clinical integration, and will provide consistency of leadership across our regions. We are fortunate to have their considerable talents working for the future success of our ministry,” MacKenzie shared.
The new responsibilities for both Palazzolo and Aderholdt were effective November 27.
