Jose Sanchez, Norwegian American Hospital’s new CEO, will be Chicago’s only Latino to lead a hospital

CHICAGO, Illinois - This week, Norwegian American Hospital established a welcome milestone for Chicago’s Latino community by naming Jose R. Sanchez as its new President and CEO.  Sanchez, who has built a distinguished 30-year career as a health care executive and urban health care expert, will be the city’s only Latino to serve as a hospital CEO.

As Chair of the Illinois Senate’s Public Health Committee, William Delgado (D-Chicago) today noted the significance of the Norwegian American Hospital’s choice of Sanchez.

“It is an honor to welcome Jose Sanchez to Chicago,” Senator Delgado said.  “As the only hospital CEO in our city who is Latino, the Latino community should take pride in this development.  Jose Sanchez brings a unique understanding of the health service needs and challenges facing urban communities.”   

During Sanchez’s three decade career as a health care leader, he has focused much of his effort addressing care and accessibility for low-income and disadvantaged populations.  Sanchez makes his way to Chicago from New York, where he served as Senior Vice President of the Generations + / Northern Manhattan Network.  During his tenure, he oversaw three ambulatory centers and nearly 20 community-based health centers in Manhattan and the Bronx.

“I am confident that health care advocates, community leaders and policy makers will be able to learn a lot from Mr. Sanchez,” Delgado said.  “He has a record of successful achievement that is rare in the health care industry.”

During his time in New York, Sanchez improved standards and service qualities of the hospitals he was charged with leading, ensuring that each earned Joint Commission accreditation.  Last year, he was named one of the nations “Most Influential Latinos” by Hispanic Business Magazine. 

Sanchez began his career as a licensed social worker in 1979, earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from City College of New York and a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University.

“In choosing Jose Sanchez, the Board of Norwegian American Hospital has taken a positive and progressive step for its own growth and improvement,” Delgado said.  “ Norwegian American Hospital also deserves credit for helping forge a significant milestone for the Latino community.”