The Board of Directors of Northwest Health – Porter has named James Leonard, DO, FACEP, as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Leonard is the first physician to be named of CEO of the organization. He has served as the organization’s interim CEO since August 1.
Since first joining Northwest Health in 2013, Dr. Leonard has served as ER Medical Director, Administrative Physician Executive and, since 2018 as the Market Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
“Dr. Leonard's experience as a practicing physician and Chief Medical Officer combined with his leadership skills and ability to drive high quality performance makes him the right person to lead Northwest Health – Porter,” said Karen Allen, RN, Ph.D., FAAN, chairman of the Northwest Health – Porter Board of Trustees. “The board looks forward to working with him to move our plans forward.”
As CMO, Dr. Leonard had direct oversight of several hospital functions including quality, graduate medical education, medical staff services, infection prevention, risk management and pharmacy. He assisted in the recruitment and retention of more than 80 physicians and mid-level providers and was instrumental in starting the Northwest Health Medical Residency program. Additionally, Dr. Leonard led the market's COVID-19 response and served as a resource for other organizations during the pandemic.
“As CEO I look forward to having a broad impact across the organization from long-term strategy to patient care,” said Dr. Leonard. “I know how seriously our talented physicians and team members take their responsibility to care for the people of Northwest Indiana and I’m honored to support them while elevating the health services available in the region.
Dr. Leonard earned his medical degree and completed his residency at the Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He maintains board certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. Northwest Health – Porter is owned, in part, by physicians. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
