Michael Goar assumed the role of president and CEO of the Sisters of Charity Health System in July. Since then, he has been working with employees and board members to learn about the 173-year history of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and its ministries enhancing the health and well-being of the communities served, as well as to begin developing a shared vision for the health system.

Following is a memo he sent to health system employees and board members of the health system and St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center:

From: Michael Goar, President and CEO, Sisters of Charity Health System
Re: Our Vision and Strategic Goals

Thank you to all who have helped bring me up to speed on the important work of the Sisters of Charity Health System and the powerful contributions that the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have made to enhance the health and well-being of those we serve. It is a privilege to work alongside you.

Having spent a month onboard, I have been reflecting on the profound impact that the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine have had over their 173-year history. As we look ahead, I am filled with optimism and hope for the future of our organization—a future that we will co-create.

To shape this future, I invite you, the members of the Sisters of Charity Health System community, to join me in developing a shared vision. Building on the core values of the Sisters of Charity Health System—compassion, courage, respect, justice and collaboration - here are the key areas on which I hope to focus:

• Culture of Excellence: Let every action, decision, and effort reflect our unwavering commitment to quality.
• Collaborative Organization: Together we can achieve more. Let's make strategic decisions collaboratively.
• Mutual Accountability: Regular progress check-ins will ensure that we hold each other accountable to our goals and commitments.
• Enhanced Transparency: Trust and informed decision-making thrive in an environment of transparency.

Beginning next month, I will start to conduct monthly Zoom meetings for all employees. I look forward to having the opportunity to introduce myself to all of you, and share your insights on what is working and what isn't working around the health system.

As we move forward in planning for the future, I also want to touch upon a retrospective point. As you know, a year ago Galloway Consulting provided recommendations to enhance our operational and organizational efficiency, securing a more sustainable path for the Health System. We have diligently evaluated all the recommendations, and implemented many of them. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity reaffirmed that all ministries will continue to operate, with certain functions centralized in Cleveland. What had been known as the “corporate office” will now be known as “shared services,” reflecting that we are sharing our pool of resources.

Let us embark on this journey together, united by our shared purpose and vision. Our commitment remains steadfast: to serve our community with intentionality, purpose, honor, and respect.