“What excites me the most about
coming to CalvertHealth,” said
new president and CEO
Jeremy Bradford, “is the
unwavering commitment to quality
patient care. The board, the
physicians, the leadership, the staff,
the volunteers … they are ‘all in.’
That is a significant strength.”
Bradford, 46, who stepped into the CEO role on
March 1, is a seasoned healthcare executive
who has distinguished himself in a wide array
of leadership roles for more than 20 years.
Most recently, he served as president of Good
Samaritan Hospital in Illinois, a 134-bed regional
referral center.
“His capabilities, character and experience
demonstrate why his selection was a unanimous
decision,” said CalvertHealth Board Chair
Rev. David Showers, who chaired the nationwide
search effort. “He also has a deep history as a
collaborator who builds strong relationships
among partners, which will be key to maintaining
our independence.”
Bradford’s move from one of the largest
healthcare organizations in Southern Illinois
to CalvertHealth, an independent community
hospital, underscores his belief that quality care is
best provided close to home.
“When I walk around CalvertHealth Medical
Center, what I see is loyalty and a committed
team,” said Bradford. “The amount of tenure in
this organization is phenomenal. That tells me they
are committed to our patients and their families.”
Bradford readily admits he was attracted
by CalvertHealth’s excellent reputation. At the
same time, he was equally drawn by the system’s
commitment to providing safe and high-quality
care and promoting wellness for a healthier
community.
“The focus on community wellness really
resonated with me,” he added. “It is essential to
partner with the community to ensure the health
and well-being of its members are being met. I
think you achieve this through collaboration and
partnerships to keep health care close to home.”
Commitment to Service
Bradford was inspired at an early age to pursue a healthcare
career after spending summers in Florida with his aunt,
who was a nursing home administrator. “I truly admired her
passion for helping people,” he said. “I said one day I want to
be like her and here I am.”
He brings broad-ranging leadership experience within
many different healthcare sectors both on the inpatient and
outpatient side to his new role. During his tenure at SSM
Health, he led many successful operational and growth
initiatives but points to his team’s response to the COVID-19
pandemic as the accomplishment he is most proud of.
“It was a pivotal moment for me,” Bradford said. “It was
truly remarkable how everyone rallied together to ensure that
no matter who walked through our doors, they were provided
with the highest level of quality care.”
Making a Difference
Nothing makes Bradford happier than helping others be
successful. “It is why I chose health care as a career… to
make a difference.” His approachable style is both genuine
and engaging. “I am a true believer that when you help the
members of your team succeed, then ultimately the patient
is successful.”
Bradford has a proven track record of inspiring and
empowering others to be their best while demonstrating
integrity and the importance of being a servant leader. “It is
all about the willingness to be vulnerable… that allows people
to get to know the real you.”
While there are certainly challenges ahead, Bradford
believes CalvertHealth is well positioned to build on its
strengths to address the issues created by rising labor costs,
nationwide staffing shortages and ongoing supply chain
problems. “COVID has indelibly changed the landscape of
health care for larger systems and community hospitals alike.
However, that has not changed our mission. Patient safety
and quality will remain the top priority regardless of what
challenges we face.”
He went on to add, “We stand for health, for care and for
doing our best every day. And every single day, we put the
patient at the center of those decisions.”
Getting to know Jeremy
Hometown: I grew up in a small town
in Kentucky on the Ohio River about
three hours from St. Louis. It was a place
where people looked after one another.
There was a hometown feel much like
Calvert County. I am the oldest of three
and have two younger sisters.
The sports teams you root for: My grandfather
was a Cincinnati Reds fan so I had no choice but to be a
Reds fan growing up but I also rooted for the St. Louis
Cardinals. My dad is a big Orioles fan. We’re already
making plans to take in a game at Camden Yards.
Favorite song: “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney.
The lyrics remind us to cherish life and enjoy every
minute of it. You get one chance to get it right. Lastly, it
touches on putting first things first – like spending time
with your family.
What’s playing on your car radio? I like country
music. It kind of takes me to my roots. I relate to
the lyrics.
Activities you enjoy outside of work? In my free
time, I like spending time outdoors with my family. We
enjoy hiking and golfing together. I also enjoy fishing
and hunting and working on the farm.
Who has had the greatest influence on you
and why? My parents instilled in me at a young age to
always make a difference, be a man of character and to
treat others with respect. Another individual who sticks
out in my mind is my grandmother. If I needed advice,
she always had the right answer whether I wanted to
hear it or not.
What do you consider your greatest
accomplishment? Raising our two children, Maggie
Beth and Turner, in partnership with my wife, Ginny
(pictured at left). I know we have a way to go but I
feel we’ve done a great job in being true examples to
our children.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Helping others succeed. Nothing makes me happier
than seeing those I work beside be successful.
If you could give one piece of advice to
young people, what would it be? Always do the
right thing for the right reason… make a difference and
follow your dream.