Northwest Health CEO Announces Resignation
7/3/2023
After more than nine years with Northwest Health, Ashley Dickinson has announced her resignation to be effective in late July. Dickinson has accepted a new position as chief operation officer at Ascension Texas.
James Leonard, D.O., FACEP, chief medical officer, who has been with Northwest Health for ten years, will serve as interim chief executive officer for Northwest Health – Porter.
Dickinson arrived at Northwest Health – Porter in 2014 to serve as its chief operating officer. She was promoted to chief executive officer at Northwest Health – La Porte and Northwest Health - Starke in 2017 where she significantly expanded health care services throughout La Porte and Starke counties with new technologies and the addition of new physicians. In October 2020, the new hospital in La Porte County became a reality with the opening of Northwest Health – La Porte, bringing new services and technology to the area.
In 2021, Dickinson was named chief executive officer of Northwest Health and Northwest Health – Porter. In this position she led strategic growth and operations for all three Northwest Health hospitals, EMS, Lakeshore Surgicare, and Northwest Medical Group. Most recently graduate medical education was added with the system’s first family medicine residency to increase the availability of primary care physicians throughout the region.
“I will miss my colleagues in Northwest Indiana yet am looking forward to locating close to family. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved during these last nine plus years. From the application of best-practices and quality care to the growth of Northwest Medical Group, the organization has enhanced medical resources in the communities we serve,” said Dickinson. “I am fortunate to have worked with so many talented physicians and staff and look forward to watching the organization continue advancing medical care in the region.”
Bert Cook, chair of the Northwest Health – La Porte board of trustees remarked, “Northwest Health has experienced incredible growth under Ashley’s leadership. She has left an indelible mark on the health and wellness of the communities of La Porte, Porter, and Starke counties. There is no doubt that she will be missed throughout Northwest Indiana yet we are excited for Ashley and her family as they take on their next professional opportunity and relocate to be near family.”
Dr. Karen Allen, chairman of the Northwest Health - Porter Board of Trustees, said thanks to Dickinson’s dedicated leadership, Northwest Health is in a strong position to grow and serve patients’ with quality, compassionate care long into the future.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Ashley for her commitment to the organization’s growth and success. Through her leadership, Northwest Health is strategically positioned to best respond to future healthcare needs and remain at the forefront of care in Northwest Indiana.”
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