Health care
President and CEO
Froedtert Health | Wauwatosa
Health care administrator Catherine Jacobson leads Wauwatosa-based Froedtert Health, one of the state’s largest private employers, with more than 13,000 employees. During her decade as president and CEO, Jacobson has steered the health system through widespread consolidation in the industry, severe staffing shortages and a global pandemic. Last year, Jacobson was named chair of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce board.
Education: Bachelor’s, Bradley University; CPA
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“I worked in a hospital kitchen and learned service workers are not always treated well by professionals and that still exists today. It taught me to reach for more in my career and gave me a huge appreciation and understanding I still carry today.”
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Any place warm. My favorite is my home in Scottsdale, Arizona.”
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"Travel all over the world."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"Managing a health care system over two years of a global pandemic – everything from safety of staff and patients, to financial challenges and changing standards every day – all with very little support from external sources to do that. We were on our own to figure it out."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Excel at your current job before looking on. Look for 'stretch' assignments, both inside and outside of work. And make sure you own your career. If things aren’t working for you, then you need to find other opportunities."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Our most significant success over the past 12 months is continuing to serve our community at the highest level of quality with unprecedented staff shortages and winding down from the global pandemic. Unlike other businesses, we can’t hold tables or turn down orders. Patients come through our doors and we have to be there for them, to take care of them, and the demand for health care services continues to be very high right now."
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"Education is my most passionate cause. Ensuring that all of our citizens have quality education is the key to anything they can do in their future."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Leaving a long-term successful career of 22 years at Rush University Medical Center to come to Froedtert Health 12 years ago. It’s worked out pretty well."
