Franciscan Health Olympia Fields names new board chairwoman

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields names new board chairwoman

Andrea Ramirez-Justin was recently appointed the new chairwoman of the Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Board of Trustees.

She first joined the Board of Trustees in 2022 and also serves as a board member of the Franciscan Health Foundation for South Suburban Chicago.

“Engaging in the communities where I live and work is exceptionally important to me,” Ramirez-Justin said. “I am beyond thankful to be part of our ministry. When I witness the great outcome of a community program, a great decision which benefits individuals or families or the great care offered to patients in our ministry, I am witnessing our mission in action in the form of compassion and love for all we serve.”

Outside of her roles with Franciscan, Ramirez-Justin serves as president of the St. Coletta’s of Illinois Operating Board, District 230 Foundation board member, on the executive board for Franciscan Ministries, Illinois State Comptroller Bank ON Commission member and chairwoman of the Financial Products Committee. She previously served as president of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, president of the Professional Women’s Network and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office’s Banking Advisory Board.

Ramirez-Justin of Orland Hills is the director of government and community impact of Old Plank Trail Community Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank and previously served as a trustee for the Village of Matteson. She volunteers with a variety of community impact organizations, including the Cancer Support Center, South Suburban PADS and various chambers of commerce.

“Our ministry’s greatest resource is our colleagues and I am beyond honored to work alongside these dedicated, mission-driven individuals,” Ramirez-Justin said. “I look forward to walking together with my fellow Franciscan colleagues as we offer care and comfort in our Franciscan tradition.”

Ramirez-Justin is taking the helm of the Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Board of Trustees following the retirement of longtime chairman Terrence Brown. Brown will remain on the board as a trustee for the next year.

Joining Ramirez-Johnson on the board as a new member this year is Kelvin Oliver, a member of the Village of Olympia Fields Board of Trustees.

Also joining the board of trustees are OB/GYN Gail Cansler, MD, who serves as president of the hospital’s medical staff; Diagnostic Radiologist Raj Chinnappan, MD and Cardiologist Omar Hamoui, MD. Dr. Hamoui also serves as medical director of the Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Heart & Vascular Institute.

“Organizations must remain resilient in times of constant change to provide continued, equitable care for the community they serve,” Franciscan Health Olympia Fields President and CEO Raymond Grady said. “Our new board members bring experience, strong subject matter skill sets and the talent that will make our executive team better. As the voice of our community, they will keep us focused on healthcare equity and improving the services we provide.”