Woleske Takes Helm as Bellin President & CEO

Longtime health system leader succeeds George Kerwin

Chris Woleske officially begins her tenure as Bellin Health President and CEO today, ushering in a new era of leadership for the 111-year-old local health system.

A longtime Bellin employee and leader, Woleske most recently was the organization’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She succeeds 47-year health system veteran George Kerwin, who announced his retirement in June.

“As we planned for George’s successor, it became clear that the best person for the job was already at Bellin — and that individual is Chris Woleske,” said Bellin Health Board Chairman Terry Fulwiler. “We are excited to welcome Chris to her new role, and we do so with complete confidence that the health system is in great hands.”

Woleske has been with Bellin Health in a variety of roles since 1998, becoming Executive Vice President and COO in 2016. During her tenure she led the acquisition of several specialty practices including Cardiology Associates, Gastroenterology Associates and NEW ENT; led expansion of Bellin Health services in Oconto, Wisconsin and Marinette, Wisconsin and was instrumental in the development of Bellin Health Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics.

Prior to joining Bellin, she was an attorney at the law firm of Liebmann, Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C. A graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program, Woleske earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Marquette University Law School and has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from UW-Eau Claire. She graduated from Marinette High School.

“Being part of the Bellin team and working closely with George has been a tremendous opportunity for me,” Woleske said. “I look forward to continuing the strong leadership that George has demonstrated and continue to work toward the Bellin mission to improve the health and wellbeing of every person in our region.”