Three top leaders of Bon Secours have won three of the most prestigious annual awards given by the Catholic Health Association, (CHA) for their groundbreaking contributions to Catholic health care and the communities they serve through their leadership roles.
John Starcher, president and CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) has been awarded the Sister Concilia Moran Award for demonstrated creativity, leadership and breakthrough thinking that advances Catholic health care. Samuel Ross, M.D., who prior to his Dec. 2020 retirement from BSMH was the ministry’s chief community health officer, has been awarded the Sister Carol Keehan Award for boldly championing society’s most vulnerable, and Sr. Doris Gottemoeller, RSM, chair, Bon Secours Mercy Health Ministries, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I am deeply humbled to have received this award, and I am honored to be recognized alongside two remarkable leaders, Dr. Ross and Sr. Doris, for their impactful contributions to the ministry of Catholic health care,” said John Starcher, president and CEO of Bon Secours Mercy Health. “In this field, we make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and entire communities every day. I consider health care a calling and I’m privileged to serve alongside a leadership team and tens of thousands of associates who view it the same way. On behalf of all in our ministry who strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many, I am grateful for this honor from the Catholic Health Association.”
Named for a truly visionary leader, CHA's Sr. Concilia Moran Award is presented to a trailblazing thinker who demonstrates an understanding of ministry identity rooted in the church. Starcher has been recognized as a leader who demonstrates the ability to envision and innovate, then influence and set future directions for the ministry. In receiving this award, Starcher has also been recognized for his ability to identify needs not yet seen by others, and to shape those circumstances into tangible opportunities for extending the healing ministry of Catholic health care. Sr. Concilia Moran Award recipients are also recognized for their creative direction of new concepts, structures and solutions that have taken Catholic health care in new directions.
Created in honor of Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, for her courageous work to ensure everyone — regardless of means, race, religion or creed — has access to quality health care, CHA annually recognizes an individual who advances the healing mission of Jesus by valiantly advocating for a more equitable and compassionate health system. Throughout his career, Dr. Ross exhibited a deep commitment to social justice, particularly in his groundbreaking work in West Baltimore, where he boldly defended the most poor and vulnerable through the creation of our Community Works programs that address social determinants of health. In winning this award, Dr. Ross has been recognized for his commitment to others and his demonstrated ability to shape public opinion, influence the work of others, remain steadfast in the face of adversity and courageously championing a cause to further the common good.
In receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Sr. Doris Gottemoeller has been recognized for her work in inspiring and mentoring numerous others in Catholic health care and for her accomplishments, over the course of her career, which have strengthened Catholic health care. Her leadership has also extended past the Catholic health ministry to influence and impact the local community and beyond.