Ascension Wisconsin promotes exec to chief operating officer

Ascension Wisconsin promoted from within for its new chief operating officer Monica Hilt, who has Milwaukee-area connections as a former leader at one of Ascension’s Milwaukee-based predecessor organizations, Ministry Health Care, and earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

In another development, Ascension Medical Group said it will open its 3rd Ward clinic in Milwaukee on Aug. 17.

Hilt starts her new role on Sept. 6. She fills a position vacated by the departure of Tracy Rogers in August 2019.

Elizabeth Lemons served as interim chief operating officer while Ascension Wisconsin searched for a permanent candidate, a spokeswoman said.

Hilt is being promoted from regional president of Ascension Wisconsin’s Fox Valley and Stevens Point hospitals. The Fox Valley regional hospitals are in Appleton, Oshkosh and Chilton.

In her new role, Hilt will lead the continued development of Ascension Wisconsin’s strategic operating plan, with a focus on performance outcomes in quality, experience and overall operating results, Ascension said.

Hilt started her career with the organization now known as Ascension Wisconsin by joining Milwaukee-based Ministry Health Care almost 30 years ago. Prior to becoming a regional vice president, she was a president of hospitals in four small northern Wisconsin communities.

She will have an office at Ascension Wisconsin headquarters in Glendale, but likely will split her time between there and her home in northeast Wisconsin, the spokeswoman said.

Hilt earned a bachelor’s in health information administration at UWM and a master’s in health care administration from Ohio University.

The Ascension Medical Group clinic opening in the 3rd Ward is at 176 N. Broadway in a historic former Milwaukee Fire Department engine house previously occupied by a Pendleton Woolen Mills store. Ascension Wisconsin previously said the new location represents a $7.4 million investment. The clinic will offer primary care, women’s health, behavioral health, laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound.

Ascension Wisconsin