Ascension Wisconsin CEO Daniel Jackson will step down from his role leading one of Milwaukee’s largest health systems on April 17.
Jackson’s departure was announced in a message this week to Ascension Wisconsin staff, but it did not say why he was leaving. Ascension Wisconsin representatives didn’t answer the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s questions about the announcement.
“We are grateful for Daniel’s commitment and dedication to Ascension Wisconsin,” the health system said in a March 26 statement. “During his tenure, Daniel has been instrumental in enhancing the health of communities in Wisconsin and advancing our ministry’s mission.”
Scott Cihak, chief operating officer for Ascension Wisconsin, will serve as interim chief executive until a successor is named.
Jackson was installed as chief executive of Ascension Wisconsin in 2023, following the ouster of high-ranking Ascension Wisconsin executives earlier that year.
At the time, the health system was under fire for severe staffing shortages that caught the attention of regulators, drew scrutiny from elected officials, and worried doctors and nurses.
Jackson arrived at Ascension Wisconsin, a nonprofit Catholic health system, during a challenging time. He promised to double down on the health system’s commitment to serving low-income patients in Milwaukee.
During his tenure, the health system faced other challenges, including a 2024 ransomware attack on the national Ascension system that for more than a month disrupted patient care.
It crippled Ascension’s computer systems across the country, forcing hospital staff to resort to faxes and paper records while caring for patients.
In a 2024 nonprofit tax filing, Jackson was listed as having made nearly $550,000 in annual compensation, including $439,000 in base pay.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Reporter Sarah Volpenhein can be reached at svolpenhei@usatodayco.com or 414-607-2159.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ascension Wisconsin CEO Daniel Jackson to step down in April
Reporting by Sarah Volpenhein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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