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 employer, 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
First job: “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.”
Favorite destination: “Any place warm. My favorite is my home in Scottsdale, Arizona.”
Advice you’d 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.”
Nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you: “Education is my most passionate cause.”