Gundersen selects new CFO

After more than 35 years in healthcare, including 20 years as a chief financial officer (CFO), Jerry Oetzel, MBA, says his most important work has been building relationships and helping coworkers reach their potential.

The Philadelphia native brings this love of people and mentoring to Gundersen Health System in early March as the new CFO.

"I love teaching; that is central to my role as CFO. I truly love this part of my work," Oetzel shares.  "Whenever I'm interacting with someone – frontline staff or an executive leader – I make sure they are aware of the downstream effects of our finances, but I also make sure we are connecting in a personal way to build trust."

"I am excited for Jerry to join our executive leadership team," shares Gundersen Health System chief executive officer Scott Rathgaber, MD. "He brings a blend of experience, financial acumen, leadership temperament, and commitment to mission that is well-suited to serve our patients. Gundersen is fortunate Jerry has chosen to apply his talent to enhance the health of our communities."

Oetzel comes to Gundersen from Temple University Hospital, Inc., where he has been CFO since 2012. Prior to that, Oetzel worked for Jeanes Hospital, also in Philadelphia, from 1987 to 2011 in several finance roles, including CFO for 14 years through the Hospital's merger with Temple University Health System.

Improving community health and well-being and excellence in patient care, research and education are similarities Oetzel sees between Temple and Gundersen. Yet, Gundersen's purpose of enriching lives is what drew him to this new role.

"I've worked for years on improving operations, including identifying cost savings and avoidable variation in services and processes, to allow for reinvestment in the health of the community," Oetzel says. "But Gundersen's commitment to enriching the lives of others…it touched my heart and spirit. I can see why Gundersen is ranked nationally for patient satisfaction. I'm very excited to get to work on behalf of Gundersen's patients and staff."

Oetzel replaces Mark Teresi, who has served as interim CFO since 2018.

QUICK FACTS

Jerry Oetzel, MBA

Chief Financial Officer (March 2019)

Previous Work: Temple University Hospital, Inc. (CFO)

Family: Wife – Colleen (married 35 years); two grown children

Education: Drexel University (MBA); St. Joseph's University (BS-Accounting)