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LAURIUM, Mich. – Chuck Nelson, UP Regional CEO, has left Aspirus to accept a position outside the health care industry. He had been with the organization since Aspirus welcomed Keweenaw Hospital to the system in July 2008.
“Chuck made many contributions over the past decade, and we wish him well,” said Matt Heywood, President and CEO of Aspirus. “Aspirus remains committed to the U.P. communities we serve and to the outstanding employees and providers who drive our success. We have made tremendous improvements in quality and efficiency in recent months, and I’m enthusiastic about the future.”
To ensure continued success, Aspirus has identified strong interim leadership. Rick Nevers, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations and longtime Aspirus executive, will oversee UP operations alongside Jesse Tischer, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Development and Operations. Tischer will assume the role of Interim U.P. Regional CEO at the end of September while Aspirus pursues a national recruitment effort for a permanent regional leader.
With four hospitals and multiple clinics in the region, Aspirus has become one of the largest employers in the Western Upper Peninsula. It pays more than $86 million a year in salaries and benefits to nearly 1,100 dedicated and skilled employees and providers to support U.P. operations.
In recent years Aspirus has invested heavily in the region’s facilities and services:
2018 – Opened an $8.7 million, 24,000-square-foot clinic on the Aspirus Iron River campus.
2017 – Completed a $2.5 million, 8,200-square-foot renovation of the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital emergency department and inpatient unit.
2016 – Introduced a $15 million, 21,400-square-foot addition and renovation of Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.
Opened a $13 million, 43,000-square-foot clinic on the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital campus.
Aspirus MedEvac began providing 911 emergency coverage to Crystal Falls, Iron River and Watersmeet, and purchased a new ambulance for Ontonagon.
2014 – Opened a $5.4 million, 18,400-square-foot clinic in Houghton.
“We are proud to serve the Upper Peninsula,” Heywood said. “And we will always strive to grow and evolve to provide the best, most compassionate care to those who choose Aspirus.”
