Munson Medical Center Finds Its New Leader

Munson Medical Center (MMC) will soon have a new person at the helm.

Munson Healthcare announced on Tuesday that it had selected Joe Hurshe as the new president of MMC. A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Hurshe “brings 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry including 13 with Ascension Health, the second largest non-profit, Catholic health system in the country,” Munson said in a press release. He will start his new post in Traverse City effective April 1.

“We are very pleased to welcome Joe to our leadership team during a pivotal time for Munson Healthcare,” said Laura Glenn, chief operating officer of Munson Healthcare. “As a seasoned leader with a proven track record in operational excellence, we believe he is an excellent fit to lead the team at our largest hospital, transform our culture for the future and contribute in a meaningful way to the community.”

Hurshe comes to Munson from the Detroit area, where he most recently served as COO for Ascension Michigan. According to Munson's press release, Ascension Michigan’s 16 hospitals and 24,000 employees make it the largest single-state presence out of the Ascension health system’s 19-state reach.

Prior to his role as COO of the whole Michigan operation, Hurshe served as president and CEO of Ascension Providence Hospitals in Southfield and Novi – institutions that hold “the same Level II Trauma accreditation” as the MMC, per Munson’s release. Hurshe led the Southfield hospital to nationwide recognitions from U.S. News and World Report, including mentions on the “Top 50 Hospitals” and “Top 15 Heart Hospitals” lists.

In addition to his board-certified FACHE status, Hurshe has an master’s degree in management and leadership from Webber University and a bachelor’s in health administration from Eastern Michigan University. He is currently working toward his doctorate in health administration through Central Michigan University.

“From my first interactions with the team at MMC, I immediately felt a connection to the culture, values, and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care,” Hurshe said. “I am excited for the opportunity to lead MMC and work closely with some of the finest, most dedicated doctors, nurses and team members in healthcare.”

Hurshe succeeds former MMC president and CEO Matt Wille, who left Traverse City last fall for a new opportunity with a healthcare organization in Wisconsin. Kathy Laraia, Munson Healthcare’s vice president of oncology and professional services, has since served as MMC’s interim president.