Administration

Chad Boore - President

Chad Boore Chad directs operations at OSF St. Joseph to ensure the facility performs with clinical excellence and financial responsibility while fulfilling the strategy of OSF HealthCare.

Chad’s connection to OSF came early in life; he was born at OSF Saint Francis in Peoria and grew up in East Peoria. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeast Missouri State University, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.

In 2007, the Boore family moved to town and according to Chad, "This community is the perfect size to raise a family with the right mix of entertainment, kids' activities, cultural opportunities, and great school systems.”

Chad and his wife, Danna, have three daughters: Arden, Addison, and Amaris. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, fishing, and exercising, and is a diehard Chicago Cubs fan. Chad serves on the Board of Directors for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.

John Zell - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

John Zell

John grew up in central Illinois and met his wife, Leslee, when they attended Illinois State University (ISU). They moved to Denver shortly after getting married, but returned to central Illinois to raise their children close to family.

He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree at ISU and his Master of Business Administration Degree at the University of Colorado in Denver. John is a Certified Public Accountant with active licenses in Illinois and Colorado. In addition, John has been recognized by the Healthcare Financial Management Association as a Fellow and Certified Healthcare Professional.

John and his wife have been married over 30 years and have three grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors especially - hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. He also serves as budget director at New Life Christian Church.

Deborah Smith - Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Operating Officer

Deb Smith

A Bloomington native, Deb left for Rockford following high school to obtain a Diploma in Nursing from Rockford Memorial School of Nursing. She then earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from DePaul University and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Rush University.

Deb came to OSF St. Joseph in 1982 as a director and attended the University of Illinois to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree. In 1991, she was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Being a professional student, Deb went on to achieve a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from the University of Kentucky. In September of 2014, she became the Chief Operating Officer in addition to CNO.

Deb has two step-children with her husband, Gary: Jason and Bethany. She enjoys traveling, paper crafting, and all aspects of theatre - acting, directing, and producing.

Dr. Paul Pedersen - Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Paul Pedersen

Dr. Pedersen's focus is on the quality and safety of the care our patients receive. His leadership provides a critical link between the hospital and over 350 medical professionals.

In April 1967, Dr. Pedersen knew he wanted to become a physician when a tornado struck Belvidere, Illinois, killing 24 people.

"The school hallway was strewn with rocks, glass, boards, and bodies. I tried to do whatever I could, but it was a turning point for me. I wanted to have the ability to help."

He studied biology at Illinois Wesleyan University, and earned a Doctor of Medicine Degree at the University of Illinois. He was in private practice before joining OSF HealthCare in 1995.

Dr. Pedersen and his wife, Virginia, met in college and have been married since 1973. They have three grown children. Outside of work, Dr. Pedersen likes fishing, golfing, hunting, reading, and learning.