Ruth Colby, president and chief executive of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, died Sunday after complications arose following a medical procedure, the hospital reported Monday.
The 69-year-old Mokena resident died at a “Chicago academic medical center” due to complications from the procedure, according to the hospital.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and leader, Ruth Colby,” Jean Kenol, chairman of the Silver Cross board of directors, said Monday in a statement from the hospital. “Ruth was a true servant leader and a driving force in transforming Silver Cross from a community hospital to a regional medical center and nationally recognized healthcare brand.”
“She was an inspiration to us all, was beloved by our hospital community and she loved them passionately in return. We will miss her terribly,” Kenol said.
Colby had assumed the duties of president and CEO on Oct. 1, 2017, after serving as senior vice president and chief strategy officer for 12 years, according to the hospital.
She oversaw growth for the hospital, from 289 beds to the current 348, and the footprint of Silver Cross expanded to more than a dozen locations throughout Will County, the hospital said.
During Colby’s tenure, Silver Cross opened the county’s only Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, the hospital said. The 24-bed Amy, Matthew & Jay Vana Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened last year.
Following Colby’s death, hospital officials named Michael Mutterer as interim president and CEO at a special meeting. Mutterer is the hospital’s senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer.
“Michael’s experience and dedication to our hospital’s mission, values, and culture make him the best choice to lead us through this transition,” Kenol said.
Colby was chair-elect of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association and was slated to become chair next year. She had also recently been appointed to the American Hospital Association’s Regional Planning Board for Region 5, the hospital said.
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She was on the board of the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center and also served the last two years as chair of the Will County Center for Economic Development.
The Center on Monday described Colby as a “mentor and inspiration to all of us.”
“Throughout her career, Ruth achieved not only extraordinary professional success, but also touched the lives of so many that were fortunate enough to work alongside her. She led us with an infectious enthusiasm and a positive energy that will be terribly missed,” the Center said.
In February, Colby was named “Citizen of the Year” by the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner.
During Colby’s tenure, Silver Cross said, hospital staff grew from 350 to more than 1,200 employees.
“I’m devastated by Ruth’s passing,” Dr. Joseph Hindo, Silver Cross chief of staff, said in the hospital’s news release. “She was a dear friend, a trusted and valued colleague, and 100 percent committed to delivering the very best patient care in our community.”
mnolan@tribpub.com
