“Several years ago, our administrative team and Board of Directors thoughtfully created a leadership transition plan that positioned the organization for continued success. With the retirement of Linda White and the promotion of Shawn McCoy and Dr. James Porter, we have realized this goal and are confident that Deaconess will remain the health care leader for our region,” says Steve Titzer, Chairman, Deaconess Health System Board of Directors.
Shawn McCoy
An Evansville native, Shawn has served Deaconess for 26 years, beginning his tenure as an industrial engineering summer intern. He held many different and varied management roles throughout his career, moving to the Chief Operating Officer position in 2005. The Board unanimously selected him to succeed Linda White as the CEO of Deaconess Health System based on his intimate knowledge of the organization, his business acumen, ability to forge relationships with physicians, and his involvement in the community and non-profit organizations.
“Deaconess positioned itself as a progressive health care leader 125 years ago,” says McCoy. “Our founders understood the value of quality and compassion, and by focusing on people and relationships, they were able to meet the demands of a changing industry. As Deaconess moves into the next era of health care, we will continue to put people at the center of our work and explore ways to improve the health of our community.”
Dr. James Porter
A native of southeastern Illinois, Dr. Porter joined Deaconess 17 years ago as an adult and pediatric hospitalist. Since his promotion to vice president in 2002, Dr. Porter has held administrative responsibility for numerous clinical operational departments in the health system and was named Chief Medical Officer in 2006. In his role as president, Dr. Porter will lead the clinical enterprise for the health system and work closely with Mr. McCoy in implementing the organization’s clinical and operational objectives.
“Shawn and I have worked closely together for the past 15 years as Deaconess has grown to be the region’s leader in providing quality, compassionate health care,” says Dr. Porter. “We share a strong commitment to the priorities of safe, effective, efficient, compassionate care which meets the needs and expectations of our patients, medical staff and employees. Today, Deaconess is a cutting edge leader in so many fields like cancer, heart care, neuro and stroke care, women’s and children’s health and the list goes on; but it is our firm and abiding dedication to putting patients first which will remain our legacy and our beacon.”
Linda E. White
Linda’s history with Deaconess began with her enrollment in the Deaconess School of Nursing. Over the next 40 years, her job titles included Nurse Analyst, Director of Medical/Surgical Nursing, Vice President of Nursing, Vice President of Patient Care, Chief Operating Officer, President of Deaconess Hospital (2002), and President and CEO of Deaconess Health System (2004 to present).
In addition to her great work within Deaconess, Linda has devoted her time and talent to numerous civic and community endeavors. She has served on a variety of non-profit boards of directors and was presented with the Athena Award in 2001 for her support and mentorship of women in business. Currently, Linda is a member of the University of Evansville, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Old National Bancorp Boards of Directors.
Linda will serve as CEO Emerita for one year following retirement.