MT. VERNON/CENTRALIA – SSM Health is pleased to announce that Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and SSM Health Rural Health Network in Illinois, has been elected to a second term on the Illinois Health & Hospital Association (IHA) Board of Trustees.
The IHA Board serves as the policymaking body for the Association, representing more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems across the state. Its work supports advocacy, policy development, and initiatives that strengthen access to high-quality healthcare for Illinois communities.
Harbison will continue serving on three key IHA committees:
Finance & Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Executive Committee
“Damon is an exemplary leader whose commitment to improving patient experience and expanding access to care is evident across our Illinois ministries,” said Jeremy Fotheringham, SSM Health – Region President, Academic, St. Louis and Southern Illinois. “We are proud to see his leadership continue to shape the future of healthcare in Illinois.”
Harbison has served in multiple leadership roles within SSM Health, including his expanded responsibilities announced in 2023, which include leading the Rural Health Network and both Southern Illinois hospitals.
The Illinois Health & Hospital Association is headquartered in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, and Washington, D.C. and advocates for hospitals and health systems and supports their mission to care for their communities.
