John Halstead, MDiv, has joined the leadership team of the Ascension Gulf Coast Ministry Market in the role of Chief Mission Integration Officer, effective June 20.
John will focus on all aspects of Mission Integration and its Centers of Expertise including strategy, governance, ecclesial relations, formation, workplace spirituality, ethics, spiritual care, community health and benefit, and various collaborative relationships that touch this critical aspect of our ministry. The scope of this role includes hospital and outpatient operations at Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, Florida, and Providence Health System, Mobile, Alabama, the combined medical group, and other Ministry-wide Functions within the Ministry Market.
The role includes priority goal-setting and accountability, operational plans, budgets and metrics for all aspects of the Mission Integration Centers of Expertise. As a member of the Ascension Gulf Coast executive leadership team, he will work closely with Susan, other members of the team and the other leaders to foster Catholic Identity, fulfill the Mission/Vision/Values and integrate our identity as a health ministry of the Church into the organizational culture across the Gulf Coast Ministry Market.
John brings many years of mission-focused experience to his new role. He most recently served for seven years as Vice President, Mission and Ethics, for the South Central region of St. Louis-based Mercy health system, and for five years prior to that as the Executive Director, Mission Integration, at Catholic Health Partners (now named Mercy Health and based in Cincinnati), after having served as Lead Chaplain for three years.
“As we continue on our One Ascension journey, John will play a critical role in unifying our mission-driven efforts in the Ascension Gulf Coast Ministry Market and in the communities we serve,” Susan said. “With John’s help and guidance, along with the contributions of all associates, leaders and clinicians across the Ministry Market, we will continue our unwavering commitment to Catholic healthcare throughout the region.”
John earned a bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies at Pensacola Christian College, Florida, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Ohio Bible College, Conneaut, Ohio. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Winebrenner Theological Seminary, Findlay, Ohio, and is currently working on his Doctor of Bioethics from Loyola University Chicago
