Health Care
Ministry market executive
Ascension Wisconsin | Milwaukee
Bernie Sherry was named ministry market executive of Ascension Wisconsin in 2016, an appointment that came shortly after Ascension absorbed the operations of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Sherry became responsible for leading the integration of four legacy systems (Wheaton, Columbia St. Mary’s, Ministry Health Care and Affinity Health System) into a single health care system under the Ascension brand. Today, Ascension Wisconsin operates 24 hospital campuses and over 100 health care facilities and employs more than 1,200 clinicians from Racine to Eagle River. Sherry serves on the boards of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Area of Commerce, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Network Health and the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Education: Bachelor’s, Gannon University; master’s, Medical University of South Carolina
Biggest recent success: “Ascension Wisconsin’s most significant success has been the resilience of our associates, leaders and providers. I’m grateful for their commitment, sacrifice and service to provide healing and hope to all, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
First job: “My first job was as a service station attendant. I learned a lot about responsibility, accountability and customer service. I learned the customer is always right.”
Fun fact: “I met my wife when I was 10 years old at church.”
What would make Wisconsin better: “Three more months of summer.”