Veteran health care leader Ingrid Cheslek was recently appointed to chief operating officer of Mary Free Bed.

As the first woman to serve as COO at Mary Free Bed, Cheslek will oversee all aspects of hospital operations, including network and outpatient clinical operations.

“I’m thrilled at this opportunity to serve our mission of restoring hope and freedom in a greater capacity,” Cheslek said. “I’ve always had a passion for nursing leadership and hospital operations and am now excited to be able to have an even greater impact on providing the quality care of Mary Free Bed throughout the region.”

Cheslek has more than 30 years of health care experience. She joined Mary Free Bed in 2015 as the chief nursing officer and in 2016 was named chief clinical operations officer.

“I’m delighted Mary Free Bed’s next COO is a nurse who loves the field of rehabilitation,” said Mary Free Bed CEO Kent Riddle. “Ingrid has an impressive record of creating innovative programs, leading high-performing teams and attaining exceptional patient experience outcomes.”

Before working at Mary Free Bed, Cheslek spent three decades at Metro Health Hospital serving in a number of roles, including vice president of patient services/chief nursing officer. She’s a registered nurse with a degree in nursing from Ferris State University. She also has a bachelor’s degree in health studies and a master’s degree in public health from Western Michigan University.