Carol Friesen serves as chief executive officer of OSF HealthCare Eastern Region, overseeing six hospitals in Illinois and Michigan. OSF HealthCare is comprised of 16 hospitals with $4.6 billion in net revenue and 24,000 mission partners. Previously, Friesen served as the CEO of OSF HealthCare’s Northern Region. In addition, she serves as an adjunct faculty to Creighton University EMBA program.

Friesen has held various healthcare executive roles in Nebraska and Illinois, starting her career in finance before transitioning to operations. She has been a member of the Health Financial Management Association (HFMA) since 1999, serving as National Chair and receiving numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor and the Shelton Award. Friesen is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She is a frequent speaker, moderator and guest faculty member at regional and national events.

Friesen holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a Bachelor of Business Management from Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska.