BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — WVU Medicine announced Thursday that John Forester had been named the permanent president and chief executive officer of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, effective immediately.
Forester has served as the hospital’s interim president and CEO since March, providing leadership for the critical access hospital and its extended care facility while continuing to support physician enterprise operations across north central West Virginia.
A respected healthcare executive with more than three decades of leadership experience, Forester has held numerous executive positions throughout his career, including chief executive officer of United Physicians Care, Inc.; vice president of WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, Inc.; and vice president for the WVU Health System’s Central Region.
He previously served as interim president and CEO of WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center and WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital during a period of organizational transition.
“John is an accomplished healthcare leader who has consistently demonstrated a commitment to high-quality patient care, physician engagement, operational excellence, and servant leadership,” David Hess, M.D., president and CEO of WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and WVU Medicine Central Region president, said.
“During his time as interim president and CEO, he earned the trust of our employees, providers, and community, while positioning St. Joseph’s Hospital for continued growth and success. We are pleased to officially welcome him into this permanent leadership role.”
As interim president, Forester helped strengthen operations while advancing initiatives to improve access to care and support the hospital’s mission of serving Upshur County and the surrounding region.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the patients, employees, providers, volunteers, and communities that make St. Joseph’s Hospital such a special place,” Forester said. “Together, we will continue building on our strong foundation while expanding access to exceptional care close to home.”
Before joining WVU Medicine, Forester held executive leadership positions with HealthSouth rehabilitation hospitals in Morgantown and Huntington. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University and completed the Healthcare MBA Essentials Certification program through WVU.
As a member of the WVU Medicine executive leadership team, he will continue working collaboratively with leaders across the Health System to advance strategic priorities throughout the Central Region.
