Ernie Sadau assumed the role of president and CEO of CHRISTUS Health on March 1, 2011. In this position, Ernie leads day-to-day operations for CHRISTUS Health and lends extensive expertise in developing programs to improve quality and clinical integration and preparing the organization to capitalize on the opportunities of the future.
Ernie joined CHRISTUS as senior vice president of Patient and Resident Care Operations in 2006. His title was changed to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2008 as he expanded his role and oversight within the organization. He continues to provide guidance, consultation and direction to CHRISTUS entity leaders with responsibility for patient and resident care within the system. He has over 25 years of experience in health care operations and finance, providing measurable operational performance improvement and strong leadership skills.
In his tenure at CHRISTUS Health, Ernie led the consolidation of the organization’s non-acute entities, developed an algorithm process for continuous evaluation of operational and strategic success and implemented new regional structure and accountability to stabilize operations and improve financial performance. Ernie also served as the chief diversity and inclusion officer for CHRISTUS Health, developing the strategic initiatives and processes to ensure that CHRISTUS is living out its commitment to valuing differences and strengthening the ministry’s culture of inclusion.
Before joining CHRISTUS, Ernie served in many roles at Adventist Health System from 1983-2006, holding various executive positions in the organization’s many hospitals and systems, including chief financial officer, administrator, and president and CEO of Adventist Health System/Midwest in Hinsdale, Ill., which includes five hospitals, over 60 physician practices, surgery and imaging centers and several home care agencies. During his tenure with Adventist, Ernie led successful hospital acquisitions and joint ventures; implemented thriving physician recruiting, community relations and employee development programs and developed many necessary medical services in the communities he served, including opening the only freestanding Emergency Room in Illinois and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Ernie holds a master’s degree in hospital administration from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas. Ernie is a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives, and was named an Up & Comer by Modern Healthcare magazine in 2000, an award that honors rising young stars in the health care management field.