Jerry Dempsey will take over the St John of God Hospitaller Services Group (SJOG HSG).
It includes the St John of God hospital in Dublin and community disability services in Ireland.
It was announced today that Mr Dempsey will bring 25 years of executive management experience with a background spanning healthcare services, pharmaceuticals and environmental services in Ireland, the UK, and the USA.
New CEO Jerry Dempsey
Today’s News in 90 seconds – September 2nd
He has “extensive experience leading mission-driven organisations in regulated multi-stakeholder environments where trust, compliance and service quality are paramount”, according to a spokesperson.
“Previous roles held include Managing Director of Greenstar, CEO of Ashfield Healthcare USA and Chief Commercial Officer of healthcare and life sciences company Complete Laboratory Solutions. Jerry has led organisations through periods of significant growth and transformation while successfully balancing commercial acumen and financial sustainability underpinned by a strong person-centred approach,” they said.
“His breadth of experience positions him to professionally progress the ongoing transformation of St John of God Hospitaller Services Group and its affiliated entities, while championing the enduring values of compassion, hospitality and respect that are central to the mission and purpose of St John of God.”
A spokesperson said the announcement coincides with further changes in board membership arrangements in line with ongoing governance reforms.
The formation of SJOG HSG commenced in 2006 when the Hospitaller Order of St John of God (the Order) began planning for a future where the Brothers would no longer lead the mission, due to advancing age and declining vocations.
A series of developments over the intervening years has led to a planned reduction of Order involvement across both the operations and governance of the SJOG entities, they said.
“The next phase of the ongoing transition process will see the remaining Irish and UK Brothers now stepping down from the SJOG HSG and SJOG Malawi Boards and transitioning off all remaining entity Boards by the end of 2025. This will mark a pivotal moment in the organisation’s evolution, entrusting leadership and governance fully in the hands of committed lay people,” they added.
Mr Dempsey said: “I am honoured to take up the role of Group CEO at this transformative time for the St John of God Group. The Order has laid a remarkable foundation for the task ahead with over a century and half of dedicated service and leadership.
“I am confident we can continue to fulfill the mission of Saint John of God by building a cohesive, resilient and sustainable future, adapting to emerging requirements and meeting unmet need while delivering impactful, compassionate care to those in need. Ensuring the dignity and well-being of the people we are entrusted to support and helping them to reach their full potential, remains our central focus.”
Dr Tony Hanna, chair of the board added: “We are delighted to confirm Jerry Dempsey’s appointment as Group CEO. He brings a wealth of professional experience and corporate expertise to this role as we enter a new era in the Group’s development. We acknowledge the invaluable contribution the Order has made over the past 150 years in helping the most vulnerable in our society. We will continue to lead the services with the utmost respect and commitment to that legacy.”
In June, Aidan Clohessy, a former school principal was convicted of the indecent assault of six boys over a 30 year period and jailed for four years.
He was principal of ST Augustine’s School in Blackrock from the early 1970s to 1993. He entered the St John of God religious order in 1958.