Shawnee Health Names Jeffrey D. Cooper Chief Executive Officer
CARTERVILLE, Ill.- The Shawnee Health Board of Directors named Jeffrey D. Cooper as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Cooper has served as Interim CEO since June 30, 2026, leading Shawnee Health through a transition in leadership while ensuring seamless continuity across its programs and services.
“The Board is incredibly confident in Jeff’s leadership and vision for Shawnee Health,” said Kevin Lipe, Board of Directors President for Shawnee Health. “His deep commitment to our mission and his many years of dedicated service as CFO make him the ideal choice to guide us into this next chapter. We look forward to the stability and growth he will undoubtedly bring to the organization.”
Cooper’s appointment marks the latest chapter in his career spanning over 30 years with the organization. A graduate of SIU Carbondale with a master’s degree in accounting, Cooper started off as an accountant, working alongside founding CEO George O’Neill. Cooper not only witnessed but also helped shape the organization’s evolution and growth alongside generations of leadership while remaining steadily committed to Shawnee Health’s mission, staff, patients, clients, and the community it serves. Throughout his tenure, Cooper has been known as a thoughtful leader who values collaboration, invests in people, and approaches challenges with a steady, solutions-focused mindset.
His dedication extends beyond Shawnee Health, having served on numerous not-for-profit and community boards where he has helped strengthen organizations and build meaningful partnerships.
“When George O’Neill helped establish Shawnee Health more than 50 years ago, he created an organization rooted in service, compassion, and community. Those same values continue to guide me today. My leadership style is centered on listening, collaboration, and building strong relationships both within our organization and throughout southern Illinois,” said Cooper. “As we look to the future, my focus is on supporting our employees, strengthening partnerships, expanding access to care, and ensuring Shawnee Health remains a trusted resource for the communities we serve. Together, we will honor our legacy while embracing new opportunities to improve the health and well-being of our region.”
ABOUT SHAWNEE HEALTH
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development, and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Shawnee Health believes that quality health care is a fundamental right and is committed to making healthcare accessible for all, regardless of ability to pay. Shawnee Health offers care including primary medical, dental, behavioral, pharmacy, and social services for individuals of all ages. Shawnee Health is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. To learn more about us, please visit www.shawneehealth.com.
For additional media inquiries, please contact the Shawnee Health Marketing Manager at (618) 956-9570 or by emailing ethrogmorton@shsdc.org.