Damon Harbison Elected to Second Term on Illinois Health & Hospital Association Board of Trustees

SSM Health leader continues to shape the future of healthcare in Illinois

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Damon Harbison, President of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, and SSM Health Rural Health Network in Illinois, has been elected to a second term on the Illinois Health & Hospital Association (IHA) Board of Trustees. The IHA Board serves as the policymaking body for the Association, representing more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems across the state.

Why it matters

Harbison's continued leadership on the IHA Board will help support advocacy, policy development, and initiatives that strengthen access to high-quality healthcare for Illinois communities. As a prominent healthcare leader in the state, his influence on the IHA Board is important for shaping the future of healthcare in Illinois.

The details

Harbison will continue serving on three key IHA committees: the Finance & Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Executive Committee. In his expanded leadership role within SSM Health, Harbison now oversees the Rural Health Network and both Southern Illinois hospitals in addition to his previous responsibilities.

  • Harbison was first elected to the IHA Board in 2024.
  • Harbison was re-elected to a second term on the IHA Board in February 2026.

The players

Damon Harbison

President of SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital, and SSM Health Rural Health Network in Illinois.

Jeremy Fotheringham

SSM Health - Region President, Academic, St. Louis and Southern Illinois.

Illinois Health & Hospital Association (IHA)

The policymaking body for the Association, representing more than 200 hospitals and nearly 40 health systems across the state of Illinois.

SSM Health

A Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through one of the largest integrated delivery systems in the nation.

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What they’re saying

“Damon is an exemplary leader whose commitment to improving patient experience and expanding access to care is evident across our Illinois ministries. We are proud to see his leadership continue to shape the future of healthcare in Illinois.”

— Jeremy Fotheringham, SSM Health - Region President, Academic, St. Louis and Southern Illinois

The takeaway

Damon Harbison's re-election to the Illinois Health & Hospital Association Board of Trustees demonstrates his influential role in shaping healthcare policy and initiatives that benefit communities across Illinois. His continued leadership on the IHA Board will help ensure access to high-quality healthcare remains a top priority.