JCH HealthCare announces CEO transition as Beth King steps down after years of leadership

By Editor | February 5, 2025 |

Pictured left to right: Beth King, CEO, JCH HealthCare, Therese Macias, Chair, JCH HealthCare Board and Kevin Goss, Interim CEO, JCH HealthCare. (Submitted photo)

By Steven Spencer

JCH HealthCare has announced that after more than a decade of leadership CEO Beth King will be stepping down from her position as she continues her career in the field of finance.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past 11 years,” King said in a press release. “It has been an honor to serve this community and to work alongside such a dedicated team. I am confident that JCH will continue to thrive as we navigate this transition, and I look forward to supporting the organization in new ways as I pursue my next chapter in my career.”
With King’s last day on Friday, Feb. 14, Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Goss, has been appointed by the board of directors as the interim CEO starting on Saturday, Feb. 1, as the hospital begins a nationwide search for their next CEO.
“We are excited to have Kevin step into the role of interim CEO,” Therese Macias, Chair of the JCH HealthCare Board, said. “His leadership, expertise, and passion for improving healthcare make him the ideal person to guide JCH through this transition. Kevin has worked alongside Beth for many years, and his deep understanding of the organization and its mission will ensure continuity and stability as we move forward.”
JCH said Goss brings a wealth of experience holding a Master of Health Administration, serving on the JCBA Board of Directors and having recently received the ICAHN’s 4 Under 40 Award.
“I am honored to help carry on the legacy of Jersey Community Hospital, which has been serving our community for over 70 years. I have 100% confidence our JCH team will continue providing the same high-quality care and services that our community has come to expect. We have so many exciting advancements and initiatives that I can’t wait to see through as we navigate into the future,” Goss said. “Of course our number one goal is to always help us better meet the needs of our patients and further strengthen our commitment to the community.”
“Beth’s leadership at JCH has been marked by significant achievements, and the hospital is deeply grateful for her commitment to both the institution and the community. Beth originally joined JCH as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) before transitioning into the role of CEO, where her guidance has helped the hospital reach new heights in healthcare quality and community service,” JCH said.
Notable milestones during King’s time with JCH Healthcare include:
■ Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital Recognition: For four of the past five years, JCH was recognized as one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals by the Chartis Group. This prestigious ranking highlights the hospital’s commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction.
■ Infrastructure Expansion: Beth led the expansion of the hospital’s infrastructure, beginning with the expansion of the parking lot to better accommodate patients and visitors.
■ Transition to Electronic Medical Records: In 2024, JCH transitioned to Cerner, an electronic medical records system, which has helped the organization improve its care and services through enhanced technology.
■ Walk-In Clinic Opening and Relocation: In late 2019, JCH relocated its Walk-In Clinic to State Street, offering expanded access to care for the community.
■ COVID-19 Response: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Beth’s leadership was instrumental in navigating the challenges the hospital faced. During this time, the hospital remained a crucial resource for the community, maintaining high standards of care while adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.
■ Federal Grant Programs: JCH successfully implemented federal grant funding programs that brought over $16 million to the community, supporting local businesses, healthcare needs, and individuals impacted by the pandemic.
■ New Health Services: The hospital expanded its services during Beth’s tenure, including the launch of a Medication Assisted Recovery Clinic, recruitment of specialists in Podiatry, Orthopedics, Interventional Pain, and Surgery, and significant upgrades to the hospital’s IT infrastructure and surgical suite.
■ Advocacy for Rural Healthcare: Beth was a strong advocate for rural healthcare, traveling to Washington, D.C., to work directly with Senator Dick Durbin’s office and Representative Rodney Davis and Representative Mary Miller on issues impacting rural hospitals.
“Beth’s contributions to JCH have extended beyond her executive role. She served on several boards, including the Jersey County CEO program, the Illinois Hospital Association’s (IHA) Small and Rural Committee (Chair), the ICT Policy Board, the Illinois Telehealth Network Board, and the HFMA National Policy Committee,” JCH said in their announcement. “In the coming weeks, the hospital will begin a nationwide search for Beth’s permanent successor. Jersey Community Hospital remains focused on providing the highest quality care to its patients and the community. The leadership team is dedicated to maintaining the hospital’s progress and ensuring a smooth and seamless transition during this time.”