Emplify Health’s Schimmers to Lead Operations Across Health System

Gundersen Region President To Assume System-Wide President Role March 1

Emplify Health is proud to announce Heather Schimmers, RN, MBA, will be expanding her President role to lead operations across the system. As the sole President of Emplify Health, she will unify leadership between the two regions and streamline the executive structure to serve the health system’s mission.

Schimmers joined Gundersen Health System in the role of Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer in 2021 after a long and distinguished career at Ascension Wisconsin, based in the Fox Valley. She seamlessly assumed the position of Emplify Health by Gundersen President at the time of the merger of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System that created Emplify Health in December 2022. Since that time, Schimmers has expertly led improvements in care and performance both at the regional level and across the enterprise through her position on the Emplify Health Enterprise Executive Leadership Team.

"Heather has been instrumental in leading our organization out of the pandemic to a unified, sustainable and influential health system, stronger than we were before the merger," said Scott Rathgaber, MD, Emplify Health Chief Executive Officer. "She brings an uncommon combination of knowledge, compassion and service that instills confidence and loyalty in those she leads. I have been extremely grateful for her expertise and courage in facing our challenges with grace and determination. I am excited to see her excel in this expanded role for the benefit of our dedicated staff and those we serve."

Schimmers will be spending significant time with employees in the Green Bay and La Crosse regions, building strong relationships, learning from Emplify Health teams and ensuring alignment and momentum as Emplify Health continues to move forward together as one integrated system. And, with a single President role to unite the health system, nothing changes for the many medical and administrative leaders who will continue to lead Emplify Health’s day-to-day operations in their respective regions, reporting to Schimmers.

'A profound honor and a responsibility I hold with great humility'

"This role is both a profound honor and a responsibility I hold with great humility," Schimmers said. "I am inspired every day by the passion and dedication of our teams, and I am excited to work together across the enterprise to shape a future of care that is compassionate, innovative and grounded in service to those who trust us with their health."

With this transition, Emplify Health will continue to deliver on its mission to inspire people’s best lives with a commitment to a future of healthy people and thriving communities.