Hammond-Henry names ‘one of its own’ as new CEO

GENESEO, Illinois – After conducting an extensive, nationwide search, the Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors found their new leader in their midst.  Wyatt Brieser has been selected to serve as the Geneseo critical access hospital’s new CEO.  The board of directors made the decision during a special meeting Tuesday, July 1. Effective today, July 7, […]

GENESEO, Illinois – After conducting an extensive, nationwide search, the Hammond-Henry Hospital Board of Directors found their new leader in their midst. 

Wyatt Brieser has been selected to serve as the Geneseo critical access hospital’s new CEO.  The board of directors made the decision during a special meeting Tuesday, July 1. Effective today, July 7, Mr. Brieser assumes the chief executive officer role at Hammond-Henry, which in 2026 will celebrate its 125th anniversary, the board announced in a news release last week.   Born and raised in Henry County, Mr. Brieser, 38, joined the Henry County hospital in 2009 as a rehab tech. The role was followed by multiple promotions to physical therapist, Long Term Care Living Center manager, Ancillary Services director, and vice president of operations all at Hammond-Henry Hospital. “My roots in this community run deep,” Mr. Brieser said in the Wednesday, July 2, release. “Working at Hammond-Henry Hospital over the last 15 years has allowed me to become more aware of the integrity, responsibility, and resiliency that must accompany our employment.” He added that the hospital’s “success is dependent on our ability to grow with the times while holding tightly to our core values. I will pursue sustainable growth while maintaining patient, provider, and employee satisfaction,” Mr. Brieser pledged.

New doctors, services

Mr. Brieser has been instrumental in helping bring new physicians and new service lines to Hammond-Henry’s hospital and clinics. That includes neurology, chiropractic care, pain management, and soon, a rheumatologist and its own orthopedic surgeon. He also has led upgrades to imaging and diagnostic capabilities for the hospital’s MRI, fluoroscopy, and 3D mammography equipment.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Brieser managed Hammond-Henry Hospital’s Long Term Care Living Center and laboratory services, and oversaw a new $1 million laboratory remodel to fruition in 2023. “With due respect to the barriers and obstacles that lie ahead of us, I take comfort in knowing who Hammond-Henry is and what Hammond-Henry stands for,” he said in the release. “I know that we have great potential for continued excellence in health care.”  The new CEO also said: “I believe that we can do it at a level of quality, compassion, and value that surpasses the standard in our nation. I am honored and excited to lead these efforts.” Mr. Brieser has continued to be intrinsically involved in athletic training at off-site sporting events. They include building up local boys’ and girls’ Summit sports programs and the community-wide Free2Play Youth Fun Day. He also is active in the Geneseo Kiwanis Club and St. Anthony’s  Church. In addition, he is an Inspiring Continuing Care Community partner. He also serves as the Geneseo Community Center’s seminars coordinator, the release said. “Hammond-Henry Hospital and the Henry County community continue to offer me opportunities to advance and grow,” the husband and father of two said. “I’ve had so many champions in my life to love, support, and mentor me. It has become my personal mission to return that love and support to this community.”

The mission continues

As for Hammond-Henry’s future, Mr. Brieser added “Our mission continues –  to improve the quality of life in our communities through excellence in health care. But to drill down further into that mission is a return to our foundational values. For our patients: the care that they receive is not our job, it is our calling to serve in this life. “For our employees: we will be an enriching environment to innovate and grow,” he said  in the release. “For our community: we will support positive movement in the social determinants of health through high-quality healthcare, education, volunteerism, networking (participation and engagement), and resource sharing.” Mr. Brieser received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Augustana College, Rock Island; his MBA from St. Ambrose University, Davenport; and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis.  Mr. Brieser’s family consists of wife, Hannah; son, Brooks; daughter, Maddox or “Moxie,” as she is affectionately called; and another baby on its way in September. Mr. Brieser also was named an Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network “4 Under 40” Hospital Leadership Award winner in 2024.  “I can promise you the same effort, dedication, and passion that you have become accustomed to in my tenure,” he said in the release. “My role as VPO (vice president operations) has positioned me for this opportunity, and I will continue to grow under the tutelage of the board, our providers, managers, employees, and community.”