Catching up with Ascension’s new President, Eduardo Conrado

Moving Ascension Forward With Purpose And A Global Perspective

Aglobal perspective, an informal leadership style, a heart for Catholic healthcare, and dad to two daughters and two 6-pound dogs — meet Eduardo Conrado, Ascension’s President since early 2023.

“I’m excited about the opportunity we have at Ascension to continue to change U.S. healthcare and grateful for our Ascension associates,” Eduardo said. “The commitment, motivation and passion they bring to Ascension every day makes me proud and gives me hope in our ability to continue to perform our Mission, even as the U.S. healthcare environment changes.”

Eduardo joined Ascension in 2019 after serving on Ascension’s Board of Directors for five years. As President, he is working with our ministries and the Operations Leadership Team to establish the operational rigor that will ensure that we can continue to fulfill our Mission to serve all persons, for the long term.

Like many associates, Eduardo said he felt a calling to serve Ascension’s Mission. He’s inspired by the work and passionate about finding ways to continue to better serve our patients, especially vulnerable communities.

“I think the purpose of Catholic healthcare is probably one of the purest purposes in the world,” he said. “Catholic healthcare represents one of every five beds in the U.S., and Ascension is a big part of that. The role that we play in taking care of a large portion of the population who do not have commercial insurance is so important.”

Eduardo brings a broad global perspective to his role. He was born in Nicaragua, moved to the United States when he was 13 years old, studied in the U.S. and Spain, and has also lived in Argentina and Norway. Prior to Ascension, he spent 27 years at Motorola Solutions in a variety of leadership roles, including internationally focused positions.

“At Ascension, we have a group of people coming together from different backgrounds and cultures. We all shape each other a little bit by exposing each other to the way that we think, the way that we were brought up and our own backgrounds,” he said.

He appreciates Ascension’s tradition of telling our ABIDE (Appreciation - Belongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity) stories, about where we came from and the experiences that shape our approaches. “Every time someone tells their story, it has a small impact on every person in the room,” Eduardo said.

Eduardo’s leadership philosophy revolves around transparency, teamwork and accountability, paired with an analytic approach from his engineering background. He is urging the use of data-driven insights to help move Ascension forward with a focus on key priorities of supporting our communities as part of our Mission to serve all people; delivering quality, safe care; and improving operational excellence.

“I’m incredibly optimistic about Ascension’s future and strongly believe in the role we play in healthcare today, tomorrow and for a long time to come,” he said.

EDUARDO’S FAVORITES

Food: Thai to dine out, paella to cook

App: All Trails

Book: “100 Years of Solitude”

Saturday activity: Skiing, hiking, mountain biking

Binge watch: “Star Wars” series