DCH Health System is proud to announce that CEO Katrina Keefer has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the Women Hospital and Health System Presidents & CEOs to Know for 2025. This national recognition highlights her leadership, vision, and the transformative progress taking place across the DCH system under her guidance.
Keefer joined DCH Health System in August 2022 and has since led a significant turnaround, achieving measurable improvements in patient care, staffing, technology, and financial health. Her leadership has brought a clear, focused strategy to the organization—centered on transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
Under her direction, all three DCH hospitals earned “B” grades from the Leapfrog Group in 2024, reflecting stronger performance in patient safety and quality metrics. Additionally, the system received a Level 9 “Digital Health Most Wired” designation across its acute, ambulatory, and long-term care services, signaling a major leap in healthcare technology adoption.
Keefer has also prioritized workforce stability, reducing emergency department staff turnover from 30% to under 15% and lowering the left-without-being-seen rate to below 3%. These efforts have improved both the patient and staff experience—key drivers behind a 10% increase in patient volumes year-over-year and improved financial performance.
Before joining DCH, Keefer led Augusta University Health in Georgia, where she oversaw the launch of key initiatives such as a freestanding imaging center and an air ambulance program. Today, her work at DCH continues to reflect her commitment to healthcare innovation, access, and equity.
Katrina Keefer’s leadership is not only reshaping DCH Health System but also setting a standard for how health systems can thrive through meaningful change and community-focused care.
To read more women on Becker's list, click here!
