Corewell Health System

Spectrum Health Appoints Chief Operating Officer for Hospital Group

Spectrum Health has selected Gwen G. Sandefur, MHSA, as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Spectrum Health Grand Rapids. Sandefur assumed her new role on August 3.

“We are very pleased to have Gwen in position to provide leadership and coordinate operations for inpatient and outpatient aspects of the hospital facilities and service lines in Grand Rapids,” said Christina Freese-Decker, president, Spectrum Health Hospital Group. “Her skills and experience will be invaluable as we work together in our mission to provide seamless, high quality health care in the communities we serve.”

Specifically, the new COO will lead day-to-day operations for Spectrum Health Grand Rapids and oversee the development and implementation of long-range plans, goals and objectives for the organization.

Sandefur has extensive experience in health care administration, most recently serving as the executive vice president/chief operating officer, St. Mary’s Health and president, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Ind., a member of Ascension Health. Previously, she served as senior vice president, strategic development and regional operations, St. Mary’s Health System/Seton Health Corporation. Prior to joining St. Mary’s Health, Gwen worked for St. Vincent Health, Indianapolis, Ind.

Sandefur earned her Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan and her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Indiana University.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 181 ambulatory and service sites; 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, including 1,100 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 654,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 23,000 employees. The organization provided $294.6 million in community benefit during its 2014 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition. spectrumhealth.org