Scott Whalen, Ph.D.

President & CEO

Scott Whalen, Ph.D., is Saint Vincent Health System's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Scott brings 16 years of executive leadership experience in health care to this position, plus an additional 13 years of medical research experience.   

Scott has held leadership roles in several health care facilities, including Aultman Health Foundation in Canton, Ohio; Mount Carmel West, a member hospital of the Trinity Health System in Columbus, Ohio; St. Vincent’s Healthcare, an affiliate of Ascension Health located in Jacksonville, Florida.  In his most recent role, Scott was the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health Executive in Residence.  In this position, Scott served as an advisor for undergraduate and graduate students in the Health Administration program.  He mentored and lectured students, highlighting his background as a leadership executive and medical researcher. He continues to have an interest in educating master’s students about the long-term vision of the most recently passed health care reform bill versus the reality of it.  

At Trinity Health’s Mount Carmel West, Scott was the Chief Operation Officer and was responsible for capital growth strategies, six sigma improvement projects, focusing on radiology, consolidating lab services and working with the American Red Cross to reduce blood costs to the Columbus area.  In 2006 he accepted the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer position at Ascension Health’s St. Vincent’s Healthcare facility, and was eventually named President and CEO in 2007.  During his career at St. Vincent’s, Scott focused on the reorganization and restructuring of financial and operational strategies in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, thus resulting in a reduction in overhead by $1 million.  He also focused his energy on quality and associate engagement, specifically working to bridge the gap between physicians, leaders and associates.   

Throughout his leadership career, Scott has become a proponent of the servant leadership model, which focuses on team-building and giving priority to the needs of colleagues and those that the organization serves. “I believe each of my leadership roles has been a calling, not a vocation. I am excited to be a part of Saint Vincent’s mission because of the hospital’s reputation and commitment to Catholic health care,” says Scott.    

Scott is a two-time graduate of Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s of Science degree in Biology.  He also received his Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, Microbiology from the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.  Scott has been active in community and professional organizations.  He currently serves as a member of Rotary International, Leadership Jacksonville, University of North Florida Deans Council, and the American College of Health Care Executives.