Michael Graue has been named WellStar Health System’s new chief operating officer (COO). He will assume his role as COO on January 5, 2009.
Graue has over 25 years of senior leadership experience in healthcare. Most recently, he served as executive vice president of the South Operating Group with SSM Healthcare in St. Louis. He was responsible for strategic development and operational performance of three hospitals, an acute care inpatient facility, numerous outpatient ventures and a medical office building.
With a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Graue received his master’s in business administration and in public health in 1982 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has served on various boards including the American Heart Association in St. Louis and the National Advisory Council for the American Red Cross in Washington D.C.
Graue has received numerous awards including the Outstanding CEO award in 1992 and in 1989 while at Health Trust in the Kentucky/Tennessee Region. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Leadership Institute.