Hospital President/CEO Stephen Hopper Announces Retirement

The community is invited to attend a retirement reception on Friday, January 7, 2011, in honor of Stephen R. Hopper, President/CEO of McDonough District Hospital. The open house will be held in Auditoriums A & B on the lower level of the hospital from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

Hopper has been the longest serving administrator at MDH, starting in 1985. He will complete 26 years as the chief executive officer when he leaves in January.

"Steve has been dedicated to improving the health care facilities and services at MDH, meeting the standards for accreditation and improving the safety and quality of care for our patients," said Board Chairman Dr. Donald Dexter. "He provided leadership during numerous renovation projects to update facilities, enhance technology and expand services while maintaining a positive budget. He has remained mindful of the divergent interests of the community, medical staff, hospital staff and governing board as he worked to prepare MDH for the uncertainties we face in the future regarding our national health care system."

Prior to coming to MDH Hopper served in hospital administrative roles in facilities in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Hopper earned his Bachelor of Arts from Illinois College; and his Master of Hospital and Health Care Administration from the University of Minnesota.

Hopper’s professional memberships/affiliations include Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives; Board Member: Volunteer Hospital Association (VHA) MidAmerica, part of a national network of hospitals involved in cooperative purchasing and education; and past chair of the Illinois Hospital Association (IHA) Small and Rural Hospitals Constituency. The IHA Small and Rural Constituency includes 86 of the IHA’s more than 200 member hospitals.

He serves on the board of MidAmerica National Bank, Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation, Wesley Village, and the Western Illinois University Performing Arts Society. He is a member of the Macomb Rotary Club and Wesley United Methodist Church.

Hopper and his wife Janet, a teacher at Southeastern High School, have two married children, Nathan (Lisa Nevin) and Amanda (Marc Roman). They have two grandchildren Charlie and Atticus. Hopper plans to continue to reside in the Macomb community and remain active in numerous community organizations.