Ed Curtis: A Legacy of Leadership and Service at Memorial Health
By Bill Stokes
Few individuals can claim a career spanning five decades within a single organization, but Ed Curtis, the outgoing CEO of Memorial Health, has not only witnessed but actively shaped the transformation of healthcare in Central Illinois. As he prepares to step away from his role, Curtis reflects on his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the future of healthcare in the region.
A Career Defined by Mission-Driven Leadership
Curtis’s journey at Memorial Health began in 1975 when the healthcare landscape looked vastly different. He started as a registered nurse, a role that profoundly influenced his leadership style. “People ask why I stayed in one place so long,” he said. “It’s because of the mission. The words may change, but the focus remains the same—patient-centered care.”
Over the decades, Curtis witnessed significant advancements, from inpatient-focused care to the expansion of ambulatory services. Today, Memorial Health operates five hospitals and 70 outpatient care centers across a 10-county region. “What kept me here was people caring for people,” he emphasized.
The Evolution of Memorial Health
Under Curtis’s leadership, Memorial Health rebranded and consolidated its services under the “One Memorial” initiative, an effort to unify care and enhance patient experiences across facilities. “We wanted people to recognize that whether they were in Springfield, Decatur, or Lincoln, they would receive the same high standard of care,” Curtis explained.
This integrated approach ensured that policies, procedures, and patient records remained consistent across all locations, fostering trust and confidence in the system.
Navigating Challenges: The Pandemic and Workforce Adjustments
One of the most difficult periods in Curtis’s career came in 2023 when Memorial Health announced a 20% reduction in leadership roles and a 5% overall workforce reduction. The decision, driven by post-pandemic labor shortages and wage inflation, was necessary to sustain the organization’s mission. “Healthcare was the first in and the last out of the pandemic,” he said. “Wages and benefits make up 50% of a hospital’s costs, and we saw an unprecedented 40% increase over three years. We had to act.”
Curtis described the workforce reduction as one of the hardest decisions of his tenure, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to support affected employees with severance, career counseling, and job placement assistance. “It was our last resort,” he said. “We spent two years cutting costs in other areas first, but ultimately, we had to make tough choices.”
The Impact of SIU School of Medicine
Curtis attributes much of the region’s healthcare success to its partnership with the SIU School of Medicine. “We’ve all benefited from academic medicine,” he said. “The presence of SIU has elevated the quality of care and attracted top talent to Central Illinois.”
His passion for medical education extends beyond professional affiliations—Curtis personally mentors students pursuing healthcare careers. “It’s one of the greatest joys of my career,” he said. “I love seeing intelligent minds with kind hearts enter the field.”
Community Engagement: The Role of United Way
Curtis has always believed in the importance of community service, and one of the key ways he integrated himself into Springfield was through his involvement with United Way. “When I became Executive Vice President and COO in 1993, the first thing I did was join the United Way board,” he recalled.
Through this role, he visited numerous health and human service agencies, gaining a deep understanding of the interconnected needs of the community. “How can Memorial fulfill its mission if these organizations can’t fulfill theirs?” he asked. “They were all working on shoestring budgets compared to what we had.”
Even after his board term ended, Curtis continued to stay involved by serving on the boards of the Central Illinois Foodbank and the Urban League. “I got way more out of it than I gave,” he admitted. His commitment to these organizations reflects his broader philosophy: true leadership extends beyond the walls of any one institution.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As Curtis prepares for retirement, he remains deeply invested in the community. He plans to continue serving on the board of Southern Illinois University and staying involved in economic development initiatives. “Springfield is home,” he said. “My wife and I have our family here, and I want to keep giving back.”
He also expressed confidence in his successor, Dr. Mandy Eaton, who will assume the role of CEO. “The board did a fantastic job selecting the next leader,” Curtis said. “Mandy is authentic, driven, and passionate about our mission.”
A Legacy of Service
Despite receiving accolades such as the prestigious Order of Lincoln Award, Curtis remains humble about his impact. “While I was the one recognized, I shared that award with everyone at Memorial,” he said. “It’s about the people—the frontline caregivers who show up every day to make a difference.”
As he steps away from his executive role, Curtis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the community. Though his title may change, his dedication to improving healthcare in Central Illinois remains steadfast.
“Much is given, much is expected,” he said. “And I will always find ways to serve.”
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