Notable Health Care Leaders: Cathy Jacobson

Class of 2023

Through consumer-focused, data-driven and value-based leadership, Cathy Jacobson has driven Wauwatosa-based Froedtert Health to triple in size and expand access to health care throughout Wisconsin.

As president and chief executive officer since 2012, Jacobson leads one of the state’s largest private employers, with more than 13,000 employees. Under her leadership, Froedtert Health and Neenah-based ThedaCare recently signed a definitive agreement to merge into one health network, creating a regional health system comprised of 18 hospitals in Wisconsin.

Jacobson will initially serve as CEO of the combined health system; after a six-month transition period, she will retire.

Also in 2023, Jacobson oversaw Froedtert Health’s purchase of Ascension Wisconsin’s 50% interest in Menasha-based Network Health, which offers customized commercial and Medicare health insurance plans for employers, individuals and families in 23 counties throughout Wisconsin.

Jacobson also serves on several boards. Most recently, she served a two-year term as board chair of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. Other board appointments include Vizient, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Committee.

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