(MT. VERNON, IL) — Following a nationwide search, Kerry Swanson has been named President of Hospital Operations for SSM Health’s Southern Illinois region. Swanson brings nearly 17 years of executive and clinical leadership experience to the role.  She will assume the position April 3, replacing Phil Gustafson, who will retire on March 17. Gustafson has held the role since 2008.  As President of Hospital Operations, Swanson will be responsible for the strategic growth and management of SSM Health’s integrated network of services across the region, including SSM Health SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia.  Swanson has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Alliance Community Hospital in Ohio from 2006 to 2008, after leading nursing operations as the hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer for the previous four years. She holds a Master of Science in health administration from Warren National University in Wyoming and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Malone College in Ohio.