Michael Hartke to succeed Dr. Steve Gordon as St. Charles Health System CEO

Michael Hartke will become the next President and CEO of St. Charles Health System, with his official transition taking place July 5.

He will succeed Dr. Steve Gordon, who plans to retire later this year.

Dr. Gordon served as President and CEO for four years, initially stepping into the role on an interim basis and delaying his retirement plans.

Hartke currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the health system.

Dr. Steve Gordon, the retiring President and CEO, described his four-year tenure. "These four years as St. Charles President and CEO have been the highlight of my career. Hands down. I'm so proud of our essential and growing impact on Central Oregon and how we've stabilized and strengthened ourselves as an organization," Gordon said.

He noted his decision to stay longer than initially planned stemmed from enjoying his work and believing a strong, local, nonprofit health care system is crucial for a vibrant community.

Michael Hartke, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and incoming President and CEO, expressed his appreciation for the organization and region. "I've really enjoyed getting to know St. Charles – our caregivers, physicians, providers and the leadership team – as well as the Central Oregon region over the past year," Hartke said.

Hartke added that he is honored by the Board's confidence in his leadership abilities to follow Dr. Gordon, whose shoes will be very hard to fill. He also stated he feels grateful to have benefited from Dr. Gordon's leadership and friendship during his time at St. Charles.

Acknowledging significant challenges in the health care industry, Hartke expressed confidence. "I'm confident we will continue working together as an organization and a community to meet them head on," Hartke said.

Ann Rhoads, St. Charles Health System Board Chair, thanked Dr. Gordon for his leadership. "I want to thank Steve for stepping in to stabilize the organization post pandemic," Rhoads said.

During his tenure, St. Charles reached the top 10% nationally in staff retention. The organization also performs better financially than many of its peers throughout the state, and patient safety and satisfaction have improved. Rhoads highlighted Gordon's leadership through several major milestones, including integration with The Center and the launching of the St. Charles Cancer Institute.

Gordon also oversaw the opening of the Cancer Center in Redmond, a revitalization of the St. Charles Foundation and philanthropic support, along with an improved internal organizational culture and expansion of community outreach activities.

Rhoads conveyed the board's enthusiasm for Hartke's appointment. "Michael's experience, track record and focus on clinical and operational excellence will ensure St. Charles is well positioned to continue serving Central Oregon into the future," Rhoads said.

Hartke brings more than 25 years of health care leadership experience to his new role. This includes serving as President of Northwest Community Healthcare, a division of Endeavor Health, in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago. Hartke has been with St. Charles for just over a year and joined the St. Charles Foundation Board of Directors earlier this year.

Hartke and his wife, Amy, reside in Bend and enjoy the outdoor activities and climate of Central Oregon. Their three adult sons live in Madison, Wisconsin, Chicago, Illinois, and Southern California.

The official transition between Dr. Gordon and Hartke will take place July 5.

Dr. Gordon will continue to provide support through the third quarter of the year and plans to remain a part of the Central Oregon community in his retirement.