New President Named by SSM St. Mary's

Kathleen "Kate" Becker will become president of Richmond Heights-based on Sept. 26, the hospital announced Friday. She previously worked as chief executive at , a multi-facility medical practice operated by Saint Louis University (SLU).

"Through my role with SLUCare, I have had the chance to work with SSM St. Mary's and have admired the organization's mission and approach to delivering quality care," Becker stated in a news release. "I am looking forward to this opportunity—I was even born at St. Mary's!"

Her responsibilities will include continuing to improve the quality, safety and growth of services at the hospital; building relationships with doctors; and strengthening satisfaction among patients, doctors and employees, the release states.

Becker has  a master's degree in public health and health policy from SLU, a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a bachelor of arts in English from SLU.

She succeeds Bill Jennings as president.