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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) announced that Bon Secours Mercy Health chief administrative officer, Joe Gage, will serve as chairperson of CHA's Board of Trustees for 2026-27.

Gage's chairperson transition blessing took place today at CHA's Assembly 2026. His term begins on July 1 and ends on June 30, 2027.

CHA, founded in 1915, advances the Catholic health ministry of the United States in caring for people and communities. Comprised of more than 650 hospitals and 1,600 long-term care and other health facilities in all 50 states, the Catholic health ministry is the largest group of nonprofit healthcare providers in the nation. Every day, more than one in seven patients in the U.S. is cared for in a Catholic hospital.

“Joe has devoted his career to empowering people and organizations to thrive with a focus on delivering exceptional care while compassionately serving and uplifting communities. CHA and our members look forward to working with Joe as we reimagine healthcare to advance the common good and ensure access for all,” said Sr. Mary Haddad, CHA president and CEO.

For more than 30 years, Joe has focused on helping people and organizations maximize their potential. He previously served as Mercy Health's chief human resources officer, leading strategic workforce initiatives. Before joining Bon Secours Mercy Health, he served in human resources, labor relations, and in-house counsel roles at Tenet Healthcare, Levi Strauss & Co., Delta Air Lines, and BNSF Railway.

“Catholic healthcare is a precious gift, one that calls us to serve all who come with compassion, dignity and care for the whole person: mind, body and spirit, said Gage. At a time when the challenges facing our ministries are larger than any one organization, we are called to come together, to work together, speak with one voice and act in unity so Catholic healthcare can continue to thrive in our communities for generations to come.”

In addition to Gage's appointment, Fahad Tahir, MAS, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas, has been elected as the FY2027 Vice Chairperson/Chairperson-Elect. Becky Urbanski, Ed.D., retired, Duluth Benedictine Ministries;, retired Benedictine; Katherine Vergos, RN, MHA, FACHE, president, Las Vegas Market, CommonSpirit Health; and Rhoda Weiss, president, Health Market Leaders, were elected for 3-year terms beginning July 1, 2026. Eduardo Conrado, president and CEO, Ascension; Marijka Grey, MD, MBA, FACP, president, physician enterprise, Tennessee/Georgia Market, CommonSpirit Health; and Cheryl Matejka, CPA, MBA, retired Mercy Health executive, were re-elected to a second 3-year term beginning July 1, 2026.

The Catholic Health Association of the United States is the national leadership organization of the Catholic health ministry, representing the largest nonprofit provider of health care services in the nation.

• 1 in 7 patients in the U.S. is cared for in a Catholic hospital each day.
• Catholic health care, which includes more than 2,200 hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, systems, sponsors, and related organizations, serves the full continuum of health care across our nation.

About Bon Secours Mercy Health 

Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) is a global Catholic health ministry in the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. A $14 billion organization, BSMH delivers care and health services through 47 hospitals and a network of approximately 60,000 associates, including 3,000 providers. 

BSMH is one of the largest health systems in the United States and the largest not-for-profit private healthcare provider in Ireland. Its diverse portfolio of companies includes advisory and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen clinical quality, operations, data capabilities and financial performance. 

Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, BSMH is committed to improving health and well-being and bringing good help to those most in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Through community investment, access initiatives and efforts to address social drivers of health, the ministry extends its impact beyond its facilities. Through Global Ministries, BSMH also partners locally to support underserved communities in Haiti, Peru, South Sudan and the Philippines, strengthening health, resilience and opportunity. 

For more information, visit bsmhealth.org and follow Bon Secours Mercy Health on social media.