Cathy Buck Named Chair of the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership

Cathy Buck, MSN, RN, president of Froedtert Hospital, began a two-year term July 1 as chair of the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership.  She succeeds Travis Andersen, south region president for Ascension Wisconsin.

“I am honored to step into this role, appreciating how important the Partnership’s work is in this community,” said Buck.  “As chair, I look forward to growing greater awareness among health care and civic leaders about the powerful strategies the Partnership’s members are employing – individually and collectively – to tackle some of Milwaukee’s most challenging health care needs.”

Buck currently serves on the Partnership’s operations council and the health systems’ market leaders group.

“Cathy’s career has been distinguished by her leadership in quality improvement and her commitment to meeting community needs,” says Joy Tapper, the Partnership’s executive director.  “Her experience will help guide our collaborative work to expand access to primary care and specialty services, including behavioral health and dental services for vulnerable populations in our community.”

Buck began her career in Milwaukee with the organ transplant program at the former Milwaukee County Medical Complex and served in various leadership roles at Froedtert Hospital including VP Patient Care Services, and EVP / Chief Operating Officer.  She pioneered the implementation of Six Sigma methodology at Froedtert Hospital and is regarded nationally for her leadership in patient safety, quality and customer service initiatives.  She has also served in national and state roles in trauma system planning and bioterrorism preparedness.

Locally, Buck serves on the boards of Mount Mary University, Horizon Home Care and Hospice, Versiti (formerly Blood Center of Wisconsin), the Milwaukee Global Health Consortium, and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin.