Spectrum Health Names New Chief Operating Officer

Kristie Smith to lead operations at United, Kelsey Hospitals.

Kristie Smith

GREENVILLE, Mich., August 16, 2022 – Kristie Smith will become the next chief operating officer at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey hospitals.

Smith, currently the Spectrum Health northeast region rehabilitation manager, is succeeding Jon Ashford, who accepted an expanded role as chief operating officer at Spectrum Health Grand Rapids.

“Kristie is a proven leader and is well respected by team members and the community,” said Andrea Leslie, president of Spectrum Health United, Kelsey, Big Rapids and Reed City hospitals when making the announcement Monday. “She will bring experience, energy and a passion for both patient and team member satisfaction to our broader teams.”

Smith joined Spectrum Health in 2014 as the outpatient rehabilitation supervisor at United and Kelsey hospitals before being named manager in 2017. She’s served as northeast manager since 2020.

“I’m honored and excited to take this next step in local leadership,” Smith said. “We have wonderful leadership and staff at United and Kelsey hospitals and I’m happy to continue to work with them in delivering patient-focused care to our community.”

A Sunfield native, Smith earned her undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in physical therapy from Grand Valley State University.

Smith lives in Gowen with her husband, Brandon, son, Easton, and has two older children, Katie and Brandon. When not spending time with family and friends, Kristie enjoys gardening, yoga and reading.

About Spectrum Health

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides care and coverage, comprising 31,000+ team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over 1 million members across the state of Michigan.

People are at the heart of everything we do. Locally governed and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we are focused on our mission: to improve health, inspire hope and save lives. Spectrum Health has a legacy of strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Through experience, innovation and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness.

Contact:
John Norton
Corporate Communications Manager
Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org