Children's Hospital of Illinois Names Interim President

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois are pleased to announce that Mike Higgins has been appointed interim president of Children's Hospital effective Monday, June 20, 2011.

Higgins has worked as a network development specialist and professional staff electronic medical records trainer in the regional development department since arriving at OSF Saint Francis. In addition, Higgins is a 6 Sigma Green Belt and participates in several team projects.

Current Children's Hospital president Paul Kramer is retiring. Kramer has served in that capacity since 1997. "I want to express my appreciation to Paul Kramer who has taken Children's Hospital to a whole new level," said Keith Steffen, President and CEO of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

"A national executive search has been launched for his replacement. In the meantime, I have the utmost confidence that Mike will be able to provide a smooth transition in the Children's Hospital leadership."

Higgins earned his bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and is currently working toward his Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in health care management. Prior to his tenure at OSF Saint Francis, he worked in the insurance industry focusing on business development.

Additionally, Higgins has dedicated himself to charitable and community organizations serving on numerous boards of directors. He is a member of the 40 Leaders Under 40 Class of 2008 and a graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. Mike and his wife, Tiffany, live in Washington with their three children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shelli Dankoff, Media Relations Specialist
(309) 655-3897