Oaklawn Promotes Zach Chapman to Chief Operating Officer
MARSHALL, Mich. — As Oaklawn prepares for its next chapter of leadership, the organization has named Zach Chapman as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), promoting a proven healthcare leader from within following an extensive search.
Chapman, who currently serves as Executive Director of the Oaklawn Medical Group, will begin transitioning into his new role on September 14. He will continue leading the Oaklawn Medical Group until a successor is selected, ensuring a seamless transition and continued support for providers, staff, and patients.
The appointment marks the return of a Chief Operating Officer to Oaklawn’s executive leadership team, a position that has remained vacant since 2021.
Since joining Oaklawn in 2022, Chapman has led the Oaklawn Medical Group through a period of strategic growth and operational improvement, overseeing more than 100 providers and 300 support staff across 15 locations. Under his leadership, the Medical Group has implemented new population health initiatives, strengthened physician engagement, enhanced operational performance, and expanded programs focused on improving patient outcomes.
Prior to joining Oaklawn, Chapman served as Chief Operating Officer of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois, where he directed hospital operations, strategic planning, service line expansion, and performance improvement initiatives. His more than 20-year healthcare leadership career also includes executive leadership positions overseeing physician services, hospital operations, financial performance, and organizational growth across multiple healthcare systems.
Incoming President and CEO Dr. Summer Liston-Crandall said Chapman’s appointment is an important step as Oaklawn continues strengthening its leadership team for the future.
“As we prepared for this leadership transition, it was important to find someone with strong operational experience who also knows Oaklawn, understands our culture, and shares our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Liston-Crandall. “After an extensive search, it became clear that the right person to help lead Oaklawn into the future was already part of our team. Zach brings valuable experience as a hospital Chief Operating Officer, a passion for using data to make better decisions, and a forward-thinking approach to solving challenges. Most importantly, he understands who we are and where we’re headed. I’m excited to partner with him as we continue building on Oaklawn’s strong foundation and finding new ways to better serve our patients, support our employees, and strengthen our organization.”
Chapman said he is honored by the opportunity to serve Oaklawn and the communities it serves.
“Oaklawn has an exceptional team of caregivers and employees who are deeply committed to providing outstanding care close to home,” Chapman said. “I’m grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me and excited to continue working alongside our physicians, providers, and staff to strengthen our operations, embrace innovative solutions, and ensure we’re positioned to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our communities.”
In his new role, Chapman will oversee hospital operations, operational strategy, and organizational performance while working closely with Oaklawn’s executive leadership team to advance the health system’s mission and long-term strategic priorities. His appointment represents another key milestone as Oaklawn continues implementing its long-term strategic vision under new executive leadership.
Chapman earned a Master of Healthcare Administration from SUNY Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Empire State College. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his collaborative leadership style, operational expertise, and commitment to developing high-performing teams.
